Incident Overview
The pilot of a single-engine airplane experienced a loss of engine power while on a cross-country flight, approximately 10 miles from the intended destination. The pilot subsequently conducted an off-airport landing, during which the aircraft impacted terrain after maneuvering to avoid trees. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Preflight Actions
The pilot reported that he had filled the airplane's fuel tanks the day before the flight. However, during the preflight inspection, he did not visually verify the fuel quantity in the tanks. The pilot estimated that the flight would take about 1.5 hours, and that full fuel tanks would have provided more than 3 hours of flight time.
Engine Power Loss and Forced Landing
While en route, the engine began to sputter and then lost power. The pilot initiated an off-airport landing. Seeing trees ahead, the pilot attempted a left turn to avoid them, but the airplane impacted terrain during the maneuver.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, approximately one gallon of fuel was drained from the wing fuel tanks. The airplane's specified unusable fuel quantity is 1.25 gallons. The pilot stated that prior to the loss of engine power, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.