Accident Details
During a descent through approximately 2,300 feet mean sea level, about 4.5 miles from the destination airport, the airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot reported that he began gliding toward the runway, but when approximately 1.75 miles from the runway, his altitude became extremely low.
Pilot Actions
Due to highway traffic and housing in the area, the pilot chose to land in a field. After touching down in an easterly direction, the airplane struck a tree with its left wing, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. The aircraft came to rest in an upright position, facing northeast.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration air safety inspector who visited the accident site reported that neither fuel tank was breached. Both fuel tanks were found to be void of any fuel, except for the unusable fuel.