Pre-Flight and Flight Events
The pilot did not visually verify the fuel quantity in the airplane's tanks during the pre-flight inspection. Approximately two hours into the flight, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing to a clearing covered with sand, gravel, and brush.
Landing and Ground Impact
During the landing roll, the nose wheel sank into the sand, causing the nose landing gear to separate from the aircraft.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane at the accident site. No fuel was found in either the left or right fuel tank, nor in the header tank located just forward of the firewall. Additionally, no fuel was present at the fuel injector spider on top of the engine. The inspector noted no evidence of fuel leakage onto the ground at the accident site or on the outer skins of the airplane.