Event Summary
During the return leg of a cross-country flight, a pilot experienced a total loss of engine power while descending toward the planned destination. The incident occurred approximately two hours after the pilot had recalculated the fuel load, believing there was sufficient fuel to complete the trip.
Pilot Report
In a written statement, the pilot noted that during the flight, the panel-mounted fuel gauges indicated a lower total fuel quantity than expected. After reviewing the fuel receipt from the last stop, the pilot discovered that only 15 gallons total had been added to the aircraft, whereas the pilot had intended for 15 gallons to be added to each wing tank, for a total of 30 gallons.
Fuel Calculation
Upon realizing the discrepancy, the pilot recalculated the fuel load based on the receipt and determined that the remaining fuel was adequate to complete the journey. The pilot later acknowledged that manual calculations of fuel quantity should have been used to cross-check the gauge indications.
Outcome
Approximately two hours after the recalculation, while in a descent phase, the engine experienced a total loss of power. No further details about the landing or aftermath were provided by the pilot in the statement.