Flight Details
The pilot of a single-engine airplane departed on a 277-nautical mile cross-country flight after receiving a weather briefing. According to the pilot, the fuel level at departure was "above the tabs, but not full." The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) indicates that the fuel quantity at the tabs is 35 gallons, while the maximum usable fuel capacity is 48 gallons. The pilot stated that the weight of his baggage prevented him from filling the fuel tanks completely.
Fuel Situation
During the flight, the pilot encountered headwinds that he described as "stronger than expected." The POH specifies that at 75 percent power with a lean mixture, the fuel consumption rate is 10 gallons per hour.
Accident Sequence
At approximately 2030, when the airplane was about 1 mile from the destination airport, the engine stopped. The pilot executed a forced landing on a road. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
Examination
An examination by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector found that each of the airplane's fuel tanks contained approximately 1 to 2 cups of fuel. No fuel was detected in the gascolator or the carburetor. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures. In an interview with the FAA inspector, the pilot stated that he should have stopped for fuel during the flight.