Accident Description
The aircraft was returning from a cross-country flight with a pilot and a passenger. While on a long final approach, witnesses saw the aircraft enter a stall. The aircraft then fell off on the left wing, indicating a loss of lift on that side. It descended into a wooded area. During the descent, the left wing separated from the aircraft due to the impact with trees. The aircraft then struck a creek bank.
Investigation Findings
The investigation examined the fuel state of the aircraft. The cumulative time since the last refueling, including both flight time and ground taxi time, was determined to be sufficient to account for fuel exhaustion. This finding holds even if the pilot practiced good fuel management throughout the flight. Therefore, fuel exhaustion was indicated as a factor in the accident. No other issues were identified.
Witness Account
Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft on final approach. They reported that the aircraft stalled and subsequently dropped its left wing before descending out of control into the trees.