Background
A pilot had recently purchased an airplane and planned to fly it across the country via the southern route. The aircraft seller informed the pilot that the battery held only a limited charge, but stated that the airplane could be flown if the pilot charged the battery and disengaged the master switch after takeoff. Before departure, a mechanic charged the battery for approximately one hour.
Accident Sequence
The pilot intended to depart, fly for about four hours, and then begin searching for an airport to land and obtain fuel. After reaching cruising altitude, the pilot disengaged the master switch. Approximately four hours into the flight, while flying in nighttime conditions, the pilot spotted an airport beacon. He reengaged the master switch and attempted to activate the runway lights. After several unsuccessful attempts, and with the cockpit lights beginning to dim, the pilot decided to conserve battery power and look for another airport.
About thirty minutes later, the pilot located a second airport beacon. However, the airplane ran out of fuel over a residential area located three miles from the pilot's final destination. The pilot turned the airplane to align it with a street, but during the descent for landing, the airplane collided with tree tops and subsequently impacted the ground. The pilot reported that the electrical system failed in the last few minutes of flight, which was the only mechanical failure.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the engine firewall and both wings.