Flight Details
The aircraft was operating under a ferry permit for a flight to Rusk County Airport to undergo an annual inspection. The previous annual inspection had been completed on August 20, 1980. The airplane had not been flown for over a year prior to this flight.
Accident Sequence
During arrival at the destination airport, the approach was high, and the pilot elected to perform a go-around. At approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL), the left engine lost power. With the left engine inoperative, the landing gear could not be retracted using the normal system. The pilot proceeded with a descent and landing in a rough field. After rolling about 300 feet, the left landing gear failed.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, the left fuel tank was found to be empty, and the fuel bladder was rumpled. The bladder was not connected to the inside of the wing by the attachment clips. The fuel vents were checked and found to be clear. The pilot reported that before takeoff, the fuel tanks were checked and appeared to be half full, which corresponded to the gauge indications. The passenger stated that on the downwind leg, the left tank indication was over one-quarter full.