Preflight and Departure
According to the pilot, he completed a preflight inspection of the airplane he had recently purchased and departed with full fuel tanks.
In-Flight Events
During the flight, while receiving flight following services from air traffic control, he was requested to adjust his heading and was eventually routed back on course.
Engine Issues
When the airplane was about 3 miles from the destination airport, the engine "sputter[ed]." The pilot verified that the fuel shutoff was on, primed the engine, and pumped the throttle with little improvement from the engine. He noted that when the airplane was pitched down, the engine would "sputter," and when it was pitched up, the engine would run.
Fuel Indications and Decision
He checked the fuel quantity, and the left fuel gauge indicated 1/8 usable fuel and the right tank indicated "almost" 1/4 usable fuel. The pilot decided the airplane would not be able to make the airport and located a field to perform a forced landing.
Accident Sequence
During the accident sequence, the airplane experienced a hard landing and the engine mount and left wing were substantially damaged.
Post-Accident Fuel Measurement
After the airplane was recovered, the pilot drained the unbreached fuel tanks and 3 gallons were removed from the airplane. According to the airplane Pilot Operating Handbook, the airplane held 26 total gallons of fuel, of which 22.5 gallons were useable.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation prior to the accident, however, the right fuel gauge was slightly incorrect.