Departure and Flight Profile
The pilot reported that he departed with approximately 30 gallons of fuel on board, expecting approximately 2.5 hours of flying time. While en route, the aircraft encountered higher than expected headwinds.
Diversion and Fuel Management
Noting clouds building over the terrain east of Madras, Oregon—the flight's destination—the pilot diverted south toward Redmond. Reporting that he was getting low on fuel, he selected the right side fuel tank, which was the tank with the least amount of fuel. The pilot stated that when the fuel quantity needle indicated no sloshing, he noted the time. Five minutes later, the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) indicated exhaustion of fuel in that tank, and the engine began to falter. The pilot then switched to the left fuel tank.
Loss of Engine Power and Forced Landing
When approximately three minutes from Redmond, the EGT rose followed by the loss of engine power. The pilot executed an off-airport forced landing to a clearing. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with trees.