Incident Overview
An aircraft on a return flight from Topeka, Kansas, to Kansas City, Missouri, was diverted by the pilot to Olathe, Kansas, after encountering clouds at the intended destination. Following the diversion, the pilot departed Olathe on a night flight to Lee's Summit, Missouri.
Events Leading to the Incident
After entering the traffic pattern at Lee's Summit, the pilot transmitted that he was high and was extending his downwind leg. Moments later, he transmitted that the engine had quit. The aircraft subsequently collided with treetops approximately one mile from the airport while in a shallow descent.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the aircraft had not been refueled at either Topeka or Olathe. Only half a gallon of fuel was found in the right tank, and the left tank was empty. Both tanks, however, were damaged from the impact. Only a few drops of fuel were found in the line from the fuel controller to the flow divider. Additionally, obstructions were found in the #2 and #4 fuel nozzles, and the output of the fuel pump was measured at 25.3 psi, with the desired pressure being 29.5 psi.