Flight Details
Prior to departure, the pilot conducted a thorough preflight inspection. Using a wooden stick calibrated by another pilot for that specific aircraft, he measured 9.5 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 9.0 gallons in the right tank. Engine start, taxi, takeoff, and climb were reported as normal. The flight proceeded to a cruise altitude of 10,500 feet, where the pilot checked the fuel mixture.
Incident Sequence
Approximately 50 minutes into the flight, the pilot switched fuel selection from both tanks to the right tank. About three minutes later, the right tank ran dry, prompting the pilot to switch to the left tank. During a gradual descent between 8,000 and 9,000 feet mean sea level, the engine lost power. The pilot established a pattern for a forced landing on a narrow dirt road. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with brush at the side of the road, causing substantial damage.
Post-Accident Inspection
Examination after the accident revealed that the fuel tanks were empty. According to the Cessna pilot operating handbook, the engine consumes between 8.5 and 10 gallons of fuel per hour, depending on power setting.