The airplane experienced a loss of engine power and collided with terrain at about 1145 Pacific time during a forced landing. The private pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. The cross-country flight departed Palm Springs, Calif., about 1000, with a planned destination of North Las Vegas, Nev. Visual conditions prevailed. While descending for landing, the engine lost power and the pilot was unable to restart it. During the forced landing to a paved road, the airplane collided with a dirt embankment. Both wing tanks were intact. The right wing tank was empty of usable fuel. The left wing tank was almost completely filled to its capacity.
