Flight and Power Loss
The pilot had flown to New Jersey, dropped off a passenger, and was returning to Butler, Pennsylvania, when a power loss occurred. The engine failed on base to final approach for runway 26 at the moment the mixture control was moved to the rich position.
Forced Landing and Impact
During the subsequent forced landing, the pilot stalled the aircraft, which collided with trees. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, but there was no fire.
Fuel System Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the left wing fuel supplies were ruptured at the wing root, and no fuel was found in the left wing tank. The right wing tank remained attached to the airframe, with approximately 5 gallons of fuel present and no signs of contamination. The fuel reservoir tanks that feed the fuel selector valves contained no fuel.