Background
The pilot had a standing request with the fixed base operator to fill the aircraft to the 3/4 tabs each time it was fueled. He stated that the fuel gauges had been undependable that summer, so after each refueling he would enter 162 gallons into the fuel flow meter to monitor in-flight fuel status. The pilot did not visually verify the fuel quantity after refueling prior to the accident flight.
Accident Sequence
The pilot was performing a final agricultural application pass when the engine abruptly lost power. He turned on the fuel boost pump, which restored power for one to two seconds, allowing him to clear a farm house and set up for a forced landing in an alfalfa field. The aircraft subsequently impacted an up-sloping draw, a terrace, and went into a steep gully, according to the pilot.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination found no evidence of fuel onboard. Both fuel tanks were empty, and there was no sign of fuel on the ground in the vicinity of the aircraft. The pilot reported no malfunctions with the aircraft prior to the loss of engine power, and no anomalies associated with a pre-impact failure were observed during the inspection.