NTSB Factual Report

The private pilot reported that near the conclusion of a long cross-country flight, the engine suddenly lost partial power. He declared an emergency with air traffic control, and was advised that the nearest airport was about 5 miles behind him. He reversed course and began heading towards the airport. Unable to reach the airport, the pilot initiated a landing to an open field. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a fence and a detached garage. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, empennage, and both wings.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed blue colored fuel streaking from the right wing fuel cap to the trailing edge of the flap. Both fuel tanks were empty.

The pilot reported that he was aware of the right wing fuel cap leak prior to the accident flight. The fuel cap had been leaking since he purchased the airplane about six months prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper decision to take off with a known fuel leak, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.