Patrick Lower, a Virginia State Trooper said the pilot just purchased the plane that morning, “and apparently, it's got a faulty gas gauge."
Man, this is unbelievable. When I go rent an aircraft for fun or time-building, I make sure they hand all papers to me, show and let me know about every screw of it. If the previous owner was aware of the faulty gauge and didn't tell him... if the previous owner was aware and did tell him...
Whatever it was, always check (or try to) your tanks visually - difficult on a high wing plane though. Glad he made it on the road.
Thanks for sharing, Carro!