Accident Overview
The pilot reported that the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion while on short final approach to the destination airport. The forced landing was initiated in an open field approximately 1/4 mile short of the runway. During the landing, the airplane encountered rough and uneven terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the wing assembly.
Flight Details
The accident flight was the second flight of the day for the aircraft, which had been topped off with fuel prior to its first flight. That first flight commenced on November 13, but was cut short after approximately 45 minutes due to deteriorating weather conditions, prompting the pilot to return to the departure airport. The aircraft was not refueled before the accident flight. The pilot reported that the accident flight, a 335 nautical mile VFR cross-country trip, took longer than expected because of higher-than-forecast headwinds.
Probable Cause
The pilot's report indicates that the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion.