Flight and Fuel Management
The pilot and a passenger were conducting aerial observations of paper mill inventories. After approximately three hours of flying, they made an intermediate stop but did not purchase fuel at the airport. During the return leg, the left fuel gauge indicated zero, prompting the pilot to switch to the right tank.
Engine Power Loss and Response
When the right tank also read zero, the engine began to lose power. The pilot switched back to the left tank, which temporarily restored power for about two more minutes. Shortly thereafter, the engine quit completely and could not be restarted.
Forced Landing and Wreckage
Unable to restore engine power, the pilot executed a forced landing in a wooded area. The airplane collided with trees and came to rest inverted. An A&P mechanic who recovered the wreckage reported no fuel in the tanks and no evidence of fuel leakage on the ground.