Flight Details
The pilot reported departing with approximately 40 to 45 gallons of fuel, which he calculated would be sufficient for a 3.9-hour flight at a fuel burn rate of 10 gallons per hour. During the flight, the engine sputtered, and the pilot recognized that the right fuel tank was empty. He switched to the left fuel tank and continued toward the destination airport.
Loss of Engine Power
About 30 minutes from the destination, the engine again sputtered and subsequently experienced a total loss of power. The pilot initiated a forced landing. The airplane descended into a parking lot, where it impacted a pole during the landing.
Damage and Mechanical Status
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have prevented normal operation.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the airplane "ran out of gas."