Tony wrote:
I'd declare an emergency, ask for vectors for the lowest ground around
hoping the clouds wouldn't be on the deck there. I'd also want to have
the engine running when I got close to the ground, I may need some gas
to avoid something ugly and gliding at a few knots above stall might
not let me get above or around that tree.

I seem to recall a study that said if you manage to glide for at least
45 seconds after shutting down your piston engine, then the cooling
reduces your chances of a post-crash fire by over 50%.

If true, then if you're low on fuel, your advice is good because you
have little to burn anyway. But if your motor is sputtering and the
plane is loaded with gas, it seems to argue that we should shut down
the engine as early as practical in hopes of avoiding a fire. Hard
choice!

Kev