Overview
On a flight from Aurora, Colorado, to Great Falls, Montana, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. The aircraft subsequently stalled and impacted terrain near Greybull, Wyoming.
Flight Details
The pilot departed Aurora at 1000 hours, cruising at an altitude of 8,000 feet MSL. The intended destination was Great Falls, Montana. At approximately 1237 hours, the pilot contacted Worland Flight Service Station (FSS) to report that the engine had lost power and that he was descending. The calculated distance from Aurora to the crash site is about 354 nautical miles, with a total flight time of 2 hours and 37 minutes, yielding an average ground speed of 136.2 knots.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot's report, during the final approach he was forced to execute a pull-up maneuver to avoid power lines. The aircraft then stalled and nosed into the ground. The crash site was located 5 miles east of Greybull, Wyoming.
Fuel Information
The aircraft is equipped with two fuel tanks, each with a capacity of 46 gallons (44 gallons usable). Examination of the fuel selector valve after the accident revealed it was positioned on the left tank. The left tank was found to be empty, while the right tank remained full. Performance charts for the aircraft at 8,000 feet pressure altitude indicate a range of power settings yielding average fuel consumption rates between 10.3 and 17.8 gallons per hour, and average true airspeeds between 111 and 151 knots.