Prior to the first flight on the day the pilot inspected the fuel tanks of the aircraft and estimated they contained 225 litres of fuel. On that basis he planned a flight of 155 minutes duration. Approaching the second last turning point of the flight the engine stopped. The pilot selected the other fuel tank, power was restored and a diversion made to the nearest suitable airfield. On final approach to that airfield the engine stopped again. The aircraft was landed heavily in a paddock and the nose gear leg torn off. The aircraft had been parked on sloping ground which could account for the over-estimation of fuel contents. As the flight was conducted at 3000 feet, no attempt was made to lean the mixture although fuel consumption was increased 24 percent by running the engine at full rich mixture. Suitable forced landing areas were overflown enroute to the diversion aerodrome because the pilot thought that the fuel gauge was in error. The aircraft stalled during an attempt to prolong the glide to a more suitable area.
