Accident Overview
An airplane experienced an engine failure in flight, leading to a forced landing on a highway approximately five miles from its intended destination. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall.
Pilot Report
The pilot in command (PIC), who was uninjured, reported to an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector that he had fueled the airplane prior to departure. He stated that he flew for 2.5 hours using the right fuel tank, which indicated 3.9 gallons remaining according to the electronic fuel quantity indicator. At that point, he switched to the left tank, which indicated 15 gallons remaining. After switching, the engine ran for an additional five minutes and then ceased operation.
The PIC notified air traffic control (ATC) of an engine failure and stated that the airplane would not reach the nearest airport. He subsequently landed on a highway.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA Inspector examined the airplane after the accident and found no usable fuel in either the left or right fuel tanks. The paved surface where the airplane landed showed no evidence of fuel spillage.
Flight Details
The accident site was located approximately 5 miles from the nearest airport. The pilot's destination airport was 17.5 nautical miles southwest of the accident site. The total distance between the departure airport and the destination airport was about 415 nautical miles. According to the pilot operating handbook, the airplane's range was 880 nautical miles.
Investigation Efforts
The NTSB Investigator contacted the fixed base operator that reportedly fueled the airplane prior to the flight to obtain fuel records. The operator stated that no fuel records existed for the accident airplane. Multiple attempts to communicate with the PIC and the passenger-rated pilot were unsuccessful.