Accident Details
During a flight, the pilot reported that the engine sputtered and lost power while cruising at 1,500 feet MSL. The pilot had noted during the preflight inspection that both left and right fuel gauges indicated a quarter tank of fuel. However, no visual check or stick measurement of the fuel tanks was performed before departure.
After the engine lost power, the pilot observed that both fuel gauges indicated empty. The pilot executed a forced landing to an open field. During the landing, the airplane collided with a burrow and flipped over.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction. He attributed the incident to his failure to ensure that the airplane had sufficient fuel during the preflight inspection.