On November 17, 1996, about 0100 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182C, N8605T, registered to Pensacola Aviation, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a total loss of engine power in cruise flight. The pilot made a forced landing to a highway in the vicinity of Anderson, South Carolina, and crashed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight originated from Atlanta, Georgia, about 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated the airplane was refueled at Atlanta, Georgia. He completed a walk around inspection of the airplane, however he did not check the fuel caps. He departed Atlanta and climbed to 3,500 feet msl. He observed the fuel gauges were indicating empty. The engine sputtered and quit. He made a forced landing to a road and the airplane collided with a ditch. Examination of the fuel cap revealed it was not properly secured.