Flight History
The passenger, who owned the aircraft, performed the preflight inspection and stated the fuel tanks were over half full. The pilot also noted that both fuel gauges indicated over half full. The flight departed Oakland at 1310.
About 10 miles from Napa, at 2,500 feet, the pilot briefly applied carburetor heat. Approximately two minutes later, he reapplied carburetor heat, reduced power to 15 inches of manifold pressure, and descended to pattern altitude.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
At 1340, while on short final, the pilot attempted to add power but the engine failed to respond. The aircraft made a forced landing in a soft dirt field within 1 mile of the runway.
Post-Accident Inspection
The aircraft was not recovered from the accident site until 5 or 6 weeks after the accident. At that time, no fuel was found in the left tank, and about 4 gallons was drained from the right tank.