NTSB Factual Report

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form submitted by the pilot the engine had a "slight miss". The pilot reported he was at 1,500 feet mean sea level and initiated S-turn maneuvers in an attempt to lose altitude and perform a landing on runway 04. He stated that he was still too high and began to maneuver the airplane for runway 22. The pilot reduced power, at which time the engine "quit." The pilot stated that he was not in a position to reach runway 22, and maneuvered the airplane to land on a small dirt road. During the forced landing, the airplane struck a pole and several trees. The fuselage split in half at the gear mount and the right wing separated. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the engine. During the examination, it was reported to the inspector that the engine would run for 30 to 45 minutes, start running rough, and then stop. Fuel was traced within the system to the fuel servo. No fuel was found between the fuel servo and engine manifold. An examination of the remaining airplane systems revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

the loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. The cause of the fuel starvation was not determined. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.