Flight Details
The pilot departed on a cross-country flight with a planned duration of about 3 hours and 20 minutes. During the flight, she leaned the mixture and switched fuel tanks on the hour as part of her routine.
Engine Problems
During the approach to the destination airport, the engine "coughed and ran rough," according to the pilot. She changed fuel tanks and turned on the boost pump, but the engine coughed again. The pilot determined that she could not reach the runway, which was about 4 miles away.
Forced Landing
The pilot elected to perform a forced landing in a nearby field. The aircraft was substantially damaged during the landing.
Communication and Post-Accident Findings
Air traffic control tower's last radio contact with the aircraft recorded the pilot reporting that she did not have enough gas and would have to land in a field. Aircraft recovery personnel later reported that the fuel tanks had not been breached during the accident and that the fuel tanks were empty.