Pilot's Report
The pilot stated that after fueling the airplane, he did not realize he had not replaced the fuel cap.
Fuel Gauge Indications
During the takeoff roll, the fuel gauge displayed 74% of fuel (the gauge indicates fuel quantity in percent). Approximately 5 nautical miles from the destination airport, the gauge showed 10% fuel remaining.
Landing and Impact
The pilot flew the airplane in a straight line toward the end of the runway and reduced the engine throttle to idle, which resulted in a lower glide path than normal. When the aircraft reached a field west of the runway, it ran out of fuel. The airplane touched down in the field and, during the landing roll, impacted a barb wire fence.
Wreckage Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and reported that less than half a gallon of fuel was recovered from the fuel tank. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.