Accident Overview
During the transition from base leg to final approach, the engine ceased operating. The pilot determined that the runway could not be reached and performed a forced landing in a small field approximately half a mile distant from the airport.
Damage Description
The aircraft collided with a tree during the landing, inflicting substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings.
Pilot Report
The pilot indicated that no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airframe or engine existed prior to the event that would have precluded normal operation.
FAA Inspector Observations
An FAA inspector on scene reported observing only a few drops of fuel remaining within the undamaged fuel system. Later, before the wings were removed for transport, all fuel was drained from the tanks, totaling approximately 1.5 gallons.