Accident Sequence
After a 5.3-hour flight, the pilot entered the traffic pattern and was high on base and final approach. He elected to go around, but the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion at about 200 feet above ground level, just past the departure end of the runway. The pilot attempted to return to the runway. The aircraft entered a steep left turn in a nose-high attitude, then pitched down and hit the ground before the pilot could recover.
Investigation Findings
Examination revealed that the fuel system remained intact, but no fuel was found in the tanks or lines. The investigation determined that the pilot had taken off with the aircraft loaded 264 pounds over its maximum weight limit and with the center of gravity just ahead of the forward limit. He had estimated 4.4 hours en route but extended his VFR flight plan by 0.7 hour.
Fuel Calculation Details
Calculations showed that if the aircraft had been loaded within its maximum limits, 42 to 44 gallons of fuel would have been required for the flight. However, flight test data indicated that with the aircraft's extra weight and forward center of gravity, approximately 51.5 gallons of fuel would have been required. Total usable fuel for the aircraft was 48 gallons.
Pilot Background
The pilot had worked a normal shift from 1600 to 2400 hours prior to the flight. The airport was scheduled to close at 1300 hours.