What happened
A commercial pilot was conducting a 580-nautical mile cross-country flight at 11,000 feet MSL. Prior to departure, the pilot reported completing a preflight inspection and verifying that all fuel tanks were full. During the cruise phase of the flight, the pilot notified air traffic control that the aircraft was low on fuel and requested a straight-in approach to the airport.
Approximately nine minutes after the request, while descending in instrument meteorological conditions, the pilot reported to air traffic control that the engine was losing power and stated that they were out of gas. The pilot was able to regain visual contact with the ground at approximately 1,200 feet AGL. The pilot then performed a forced landing in a partially obstructed field, during which the aircraft collided with mesquite trees of various sizes. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the right wing fuel tank contained approximately one cup of fuel. No fuel was observed in the left fuel tank. Both fuel caps were found to be secured and intact.