Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a 400-nautical mile cross-country flight experienced an engine issue while approaching the destination. According to the pilot, the outside air temperature along the route had been high, and the engine temperature was elevated. The pilot stated, "I increased the mixture to cool the engine down multiple times."
Engine Failure and Landing
During the approach, the engine began "coughing for 3-4 minutes" before stopping entirely. The pilot attempted to reach the destination airport but was unable to do so. A forced landing was made in a mud-filled drainage channel approximately half a mile north of the airport.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lower fuselage and windscreen as a result of the landing.
Fuel System Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector examined the airplane's fuel system at the accident site. Both fuel tanks were found empty, with about half a cup of fuel remaining at the bottom of the left tank after the sump drain was removed.
Pilot Report
In the National Transportation Safety Board's Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented with the "Use of [a] fuel dipstick for better measurement of fuel quantity." The pilot also reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.