Incident Summary
The pilot departed on a VFR flight without filing a flight plan. He flew past his intended destination, then reversed course and descended to 800 feet. While in cruise flight, the engine lost power. No attempt was made to restart the engine, and the pilot conducted a forced landing into trees.
Pilot Background and Aircraft Status
The pilot stated that the aircraft had not been registered with the FAA since his purchase and that the condition inspection was expired. He also reported lacking a current flight review and medical certificate.
Aircraft Examination
FAA investigators examined the aircraft and noted no anomalies with the engine assembly, accessories, flight controls, or airframe. The fuel tanks were not ruptured. Two ounces of fuel were drained from the lower fuselage fuel sump, and two gallons were drained from the main fuel tanks. The unusable fuel for the airplane is two gallons.
Pilot Statement
The pilot informed the NTSB that "he miscalculated his fuel burn rate which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to running out of gas."