N409EVEvektor-Aerotechnik As SPORTSTAR · 2005

The pilot reported that, while conducting the preflight, he mistook the voltmeter for the fuel gauge. The first leg of his flight was uneventful, however, on the return flight, the engine started to sputter then experienced a total loss of power. He navigated toward a nearby airport. He noted that, as he approached the airport, it became apparent he would not make it to the airport. He then elected to land on a field near the south end of the airport. During landing the left wing impacted a tree.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot, who was intending to make a full-stop landing, noticed that there was a crosswind coming from the left as he crossed the runway threshold. During the landing roll, the variable wind changed to a crosswind from the right and the pilot did not adequately compensate for the change in the wind direction. He therefore lost directional control of the airplane, which subsequently departed the left side of the runway and sustained substantial damage to both of its wings. The pilot indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions related to the accident.