Background
A pilot flew into a backcountry airstrip with minimal fuel to reduce the airplane's takeoff weight when departing. The pilot later left that airstrip bound for a destination reporting overcast clouds, having heard from other pilots that there were openings in the overcast that might allow descent near the destination. Upon arrival, the overcast was unbroken, so the pilot returned to the backcountry airstrip.
The following day, the pilot decided to follow a group of pilots to the same planned destination but via an unfamiliar route. As the other pilots started their engines, the accident pilot realized that the fuel tanks had not yet been dipped to measure fuel quantity, and that the ladder needed for that task was stored under camping gear in the airplane. To avoid being separated from the group, the pilot elected not to sump the tanks before departure.
Final Approach and Power Loss
While approaching the destination airport, one fuel gauge read empty and the other read one-quarter, but its needle had stopped moving and bouncing. The pilot considered this a “bad sign.” Shortly thereafter, the engine lost all power. The pilot attempted to stretch the glide to the destination but ultimately performed a forced landing in what appeared to be an open field.
Forced Landing and Post-Accident Findings
During the landing roll, the airplane impacted cement barrier blocks and collided with a steel fence gate. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions at the time of the accident. A post-accident inspection found no usable fuel remaining in the airplane’s system.