Accident Overview
The airplane experienced a loss of power and collided with a tree during a forced landing. Earlier in the day, the pilot had flown from Vacaville to Napa, and the accident flight leg was intended to return to Vacaville.
Pre-Flight Planning
Prior to departure, the pilot calculated that he had about 1 hour's worth of fuel on board the airplane to complete the short 15-minute trip and leave a 45-minute reserve.
Flight and Weather Conditions
As the airplane approached the vicinity of the destination airport in dark night conditions, the pilot obtained the automated weather observation station (AWOS) report and discovered that the weather conditions were deteriorating at the destination airport. When he arrived over the airport, he noted that a fog layer had engulfed the airport and surrounding terrain.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
While maneuvering, the pilot exhausted both fuel tanks and the engine subsequently quit. He established a gliding configuration, and the airplane descended into the fog about 700 feet above ground level (agl). The airplane collided with a small tree and then encountered a berm.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane at the accident site and reported finding the left fuel tank empty; he drained 3 quarts of fuel from the right tank.