What happened
On the day of the accident, the pilot operated a Cessna (type not specified in source) from Manitowish Waters (D25) to Ashland (ASX). Following this leg, the pilot conducted a 2.1-hour biennial flight review. The final leg of the flight involved traveling from ASX to Land O' Lakes (LNL) to pick up a passenger before returning to D25.
While on final approach to Manitowish Waters at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane impacted trees and terrain. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
Investigators found one gallon of fuel drained from the aircraft following the accident. There was no evidence of a fuel spill or drainage at the accident site. Testing revealed that the engine started and ran without anomalies when supplied with fuel. The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration inspector that he had not visually checked the fuel quantity prior to departing on the flight, though he had previously fueled the airplane to capacity before the first flight of the day.