NTSB Factual Report

The airplane was damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during final approach for landing. The pilot reported that he elected to land for fuel. He stated that the fuel gauges read slightly less than 1/4 tank on the left, and 1/4 tank on the right. He stated that he flew over the intended airport at 9,000 feet above mean sea level and descended using left hand turns. He stated that he remained directly over the airport while descending. He stated that while in the traffic pattern, about 1 mile from the airport on final approach, the engine quit. He stated that the fuel selector had been positioned to the right fuel tank. He attempted to restart, but was unable to do so, and he attempted to land on a frontage road. He stated the airplane stalled and impacted the east side of an interstate highway and bounced across the interstate, coming to rest on the west embankement of the highway. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no useable fuel remaining in either tank.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to the pilot's improper in-flight planning which led to fuel exhaustion and his failure to maintain an adequate airspeed during the landing approach which resulted in an inadvertent stall. The road embankment was a factor.