Accident Sequence
The pilot of a Cessna 177 reported planning a flight of approximately 4 hours 15 minutes without refueling. He estimated fuel consumption at 8 gallons per hour, expecting total consumption of 34.4 gallons from the 48-gallon fuel system, leaving 13.6 gallons. About 4 hours into the flight, while on approach to the destination airport at 1,300 feet above mean sea level, the engine sputtered. The pilot activated the auxiliary fuel pump, after which the engine quit completely. During the final leg of the approach, the airplane struck power lines and a tree before impacting the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and noted damage to the firewall and left wing spar. The left fuel tank was breached, while the right fuel tank remained intact but contained no evidence of fuel; no fuel was found near the accident site either.
Pilot Statement and Fuel History
In a written statement to the air traffic controller providing radar service, the pilot said he was "out of fuel." Prior to departure, the pilot requested that the fuel tanks be topped off but did not inspect them during his preflight inspection to verify they were full. The fixed base operator reported adding 36.4 gallons of fuel to the airplane. About 90 minutes into the flight, the pilot had enriched the mixture to address a rough-running engine. No mechanical malfunctions were reported before the accident flight.