Crash Details
An aircraft was being maneuvered in a canyon when it crashed. Post-crash examination of the propeller found no evidence that it was rotating at the time of impact.
Fuel Examination
Inspection of the fuel system revealed one-half gallon of automotive fuel in the left wing tank and no fuel in the right wing tank. Some fuel lines were broken in the center wing area, which would have allowed some leakage after the accident, but there was no evidence of extreme amounts of fuel spillage in or around the aircraft.
Engine and Fuel Valve
The engine was run to full power after the accident with no evidence of mechanical failure. The aircraft's fuel valve was found between the off and on positions, which did not allow fuel to flow through it; however, there was evidence of impact damage to the valve. The aircraft's fuel gage still read one-quarter full after the crash despite no fuel being present in the aircraft.