What happened
The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight when the fuel gauges indicated low fuel levels. Shortly after this observation, the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot initiated a forced landing maneuver to avoid a crash in populated areas or on hard surfaces. During the descent and touchdown phase, the airplane collided with a pinion tree. This impact caused substantial damage to the airframe.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the airplane to determine the mechanical status and fuel levels. The inspection revealed that there was no fuel remaining in either the left or right fuel tanks. This confirmed that the engine had stopped due to lack of fuel supply rather than a mechanical failure.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was fuel exhaustion. The pilot failed to ensure adequate fuel quantity for the flight, resulting in the engine stopping. The subsequent loss of control during the forced landing led to the collision with the tree. No other mechanical anomalies were found that would have contributed to the power loss.