Incident Overview
A pilot flying a single-engine aircraft reported that the engine began to sputter and then quit while he was 3.5 miles from the destination airport, at an altitude of 2,300 feet mean sea level (msl). He was at the end of a 349-mile flight at the time.
Pilot Actions
Over a residential area, the pilot realized he could not reach the airport. He spotted a dry river bed to his right and turned toward it. While maneuvering, the airplane collided with the top of a tree, which slowed the aircraft. The pilot then pulled back on the yoke, and the airplane impacted the terrain, flipping over.
Pilot Statement
After the accident, the pilot stated that it was likely he had exhausted his fuel supply, leading to the engine failure.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage from the tree strike and impact with the ground.