Engine Failure
A private pilot reported that during a trip, he had been monitoring fuel quantity based on calculations derived from fuel flow indications from a fuel flow meter installed in his airplane. He believed he had sufficient fuel to reach his destination. However, when the airplane was approximately five miles east of the airport, the engine quit. The pilot then observed that the fuel quantity indicators showed the fuel tanks were empty.
Emergency Landing Attempt
The pilot decided to execute a forced landing into a cow pasture to the south. However, he did not complete an emergency pre-landing checklist, which included instructions to pull the mixture to an idle cut-off position and turn off the ignition switch. He circled the field once to lose altitude and attempted to land in a southerly direction.
Engine Restart and Stall
During the landing approach, the engine got a surge of fuel and restarted at full cruise power. The pilot then made a 180-degree turn to stay within the field. During the turn, the engine lost power once again, and the airplane stalled and landed hard.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane by an FAA Inspector revealed that the fuel tanks were empty.