Incident Overview
A pilot reported that approximately five hours into a night cross-country flight, the engine began running roughly. The pilot attempted to resolve the issue by switching between the left and right fuel tanks several times and adjusting the mixture, but these actions were unsuccessful. Recognizing that he would not be able to reach the nearest airport, the pilot turned on the landing light and searched for a suitable landing area. He subsequently landed the airplane in a pond, where it came to rest on the shore.
Damage and Examination
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage as a result of the landing. A post-accident examination revealed that both the right and left fuel tanks were empty. According to the pilot, there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.