Flight Narrative
The pilot departed on a 2.5-hour cross-country flight with full fuel tanks. Approximately 20 miles north of the destination airport, a low fuel caution illuminated. The pilot decided to divert to an airport located about 20 miles east of the airplane's position. While approximately 2 miles from the diversion airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot selected a suitable field and performed a forced landing. The landing was hard, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and engine firewall.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after the accident and found that the fuel tanks were void of fuel. There was no evidence of fuel leakage. The examination supported the indication that fuel exhaustion occurred.
Conclusion
The sequence of events, as reported, indicates that fuel exhaustion resulted in the loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing. The pilot's observation of a low fuel caution prompted a diversion, but insufficient fuel remained to reach the alternate airport.