What happened
The accident occurred as the aircraft was on final approach to the airport. The pilot reported that the engine quit during this phase of flight. An inspection of the fuel system revealed a critical discrepancy in fuel quantity and selection. Although there were sixteen gallons of fuel remaining in the right fuel tank, the fuel selector had been positioned to draw from the left tank. A subsequent check confirmed that the left tank was completely empty.
As the aircraft lost power, the pilot attempted a forced landing. During the descent associated with this emergency maneuver, the aircraft collided with powerlines. This impact resulted in a loss of control of the aircraft.
The investigation
Examination of the fuel system confirmed that the left tank was dry while the right tank retained sixteen gallons of usable fuel. The fuel selector valve was found in the position corresponding to the empty left tank. No mechanical failure of the engine prior to the fuel starvation event was identified.
Findings
Several factors contributed to this accident. The primary cause was the pilot's decision to select the left fuel tank when it was empty, despite the right tank containing sufficient fuel. This error led directly to fuel starvation and subsequent engine failure.
Additionally, operational irregularities were noted regarding the pilot's credentials. At the time of the flight, the pilot's student certificate had expired. Furthermore, a passenger was on board the aircraft during this unauthorized operation.
Fuel starvation due to incorrect tank selection was the direct cause of the power loss. The expired student certificate indicated a violation of certification requirements. The presence of a passenger on board an illegal flight added significant risk to the situation.