Accident Narrative
The pilot of a single-engine airplane departed with approximately 47 gallons of fuel for a 551-nautical mile cross-country flight. About 3 hours and 15 minutes into the flight, the pilot became concerned when the right fuel tank gauge indicated a faster-than-expected fuel consumption rate. He informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the need to divert to a different airport for fuel. Shortly after, the left tank was reported empty, prompting the pilot to switch the fuel selector back to the right tank while searching for a suitable emergency landing site.
During the approach for a forced landing, the engine briefly surged from idle to full power for 10 to 15 seconds before experiencing a complete loss of engine power. The airplane's nose dropped sharply, and it impacted the roof of an unoccupied barn in a near-vertical attitude.
Fuel and Recovery
During the recovery of the airplane, no fuel was found on site or within the aircraft's fuel tanks, indicating that the fuel had been exhausted during the flight.
Remarks
No further information regarding aircraft type, registration, or pilot injuries was provided in the source material.