Flight Details
The pilot departed with the intention of flying 0.5 hours on the tachometer. The aircraft had 11 gallons of fuel on board, with 5 gallons in the left tank and 6 gallons in the right tank.
Accident Sequence
After departure, the pilot performed a left climbing spiral to 9,000 feet and maneuvered in left turns around the airport. On a long straight-in final approach, the engine quit at approximately 500 feet above ground level. The aircraft subsequently hit trees short of the runway, stalled, and struck the ground in a nose-low attitude.
Post-Crash Inspection
Following the accident, the right fuel tank was found dry, while the left tank contained 5 gallons of fuel. The fuel selector was found in the BOTH position during the flight. The owner's manual notes that unequal fuel consumption may occur if the wings are not level.