Incident Overview
The pilot of a general aviation airplane experienced an engine power loss during flight due to fuel exhaustion. Prior to departure, the pilot had not reviewed a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) indicating that fuel was not available at the intended refueling airport. After assessing the fuel quantity, the pilot departed from that airport.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after departure, the engine lost power. The pilot pitched the nose down, and the engine temporarily regained power, but the pilot realized the fuel supply was nearly exhausted. Attempts to maintain power and altitude were unsuccessful, prompting the pilot to select a field for a forced landing.
During the approach, the pilot chose a touchdown point and began circling to land. However, the airplane did not complete the turn before the pilot had to level the wings. The airplane touched down gently but overran the intended landing area, colliding with a drainage culvert, and nosed over.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the composite fuselage and the windscreen. No injuries were reported in the source.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot determined that he had misinterpreted the manufacturer's pilot operating handbook's declaration of the airplane's total fuel capacity and the airplane's total usable fuel quantity.