Flight and Diversion
A pilot, after receiving a weather briefing and checking NOTAMs, departed on a return flight without refueling the aircraft. Upon arrival at San Marcos, Texas, no runway lights were visible. The pilot circled for 15 to 20 minutes until confirming the runway lights were inoperative, then diverted to Austin, Texas.
Engine Power Loss and Landing
On final approach to land in Austin, the engine lost power. The left main fuel tank indicated one-third full and the right tank one-quarter full. The pilot switched fuel tanks but was unable to restart the engine. During the landing on a boulevard, the nose landing gear collapsed and the right main landing gear separated. A passing vehicle ran over the separated gear, rupturing its own fuel tank.
Fuel Statements and NOTAM Information
The pilot initially told the fixed-base operator that he had made the approach using the right tank, then switched to the left and back to the right after power loss. Later, he stated that he had used the left tank during the approach. The airport manager at San Marcos reported that a NOTAM was called in on January 25, 1983, stating the runway lights would be inoperative indefinitely, but no record of that call was available.