What happened
On September 20, 2019, a Diamond DA20, registration N212DX, was on approach to land when the engine sputtered and experienced a complete loss of power. In an attempt to extend the glide distance, the pilot retracted the flaps, but the aircraft was unable to reach the runway. The pilot performed an off-airport landing on a service road situated between two buildings. Following the touchdown, the aircraft veered to the left and struck a tree. The pilot was not injured.
During the preflight inspection for the day's first flight, the pilot noted that the fuel level was at the bottom of the 1/2 mark on the wood dipstick, which matched the fuel gauge. Before departing for the fourth flight of the day, the pilot checked the gauge again and observed the level was slightly above 1/4 tank.
The investigation
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the aircraft and found that only approximately 16 ounces of fuel could be drained from the fuel system. No fuel leaks were identified during the inspection. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident that would have prevented normal operation.