Incident Overview
According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff from an airport, the fuel float gauge on the header tank showed no movement. The pilot then observed the gauge moving "down quickly." With the airport still in sight, the pilot decided to turn back and conduct a precautionary landing.
Approach and Collision
As the pilot approached for landing, he "raised" the nose of the airplane to slow down. However, the aircraft became "too low and too slow," and it collided with a road adjacent to the airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both the fuselage and wings.
Post-Incident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the fuel float gauge and found no anomalies. Additionally, the pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.