Flight and Fuel Discrepancy
The day before the accident, the pilot and a passenger flew the airplane 575 miles from their home airport for business. During that flight, the pilot noted a discrepancy with the fuel quantity indicating gauges, which appeared to work correctly when he pushed on the edge of the instrument panel. After landing, the pilot requested that the airplane be serviced with fuel, but when he returned the following day for the return flight, the fuel tanks had not been filled.
Pre-Departure Fuel Assessment
Prior to departing on the accident flight, the pilot visually inspected the fuel quantity in both tanks and assumed the fuel was sufficient for about 3.5 hours of flying.
In-Flight Fuel Management
Approximately 2.5 hours and 300 miles into the flight, with the fuel gauges indicating 10 gallons in the left tank and 7 gallons in the right tank, the pilot began searching for an airport to land and refuel. Shortly thereafter, the engine began losing power. The pilot switched fuel tanks and diverted to the nearest airport, about 14 statute miles away.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
About 4 miles from the airport, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field below. During the landing roll, the airplane struck several trees, shearing the wings from the fuselage.
Post-Accident Examination
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane, except for the accuracy of the fuel gauges. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of fuel, fuel spillage, fuel leakage, or odor of fuel.