Flight History
The pilot departed from El Paso, Texas, and flew to Douglas, Arizona, where three passengers boarded the aircraft. The flight then proceeded to a ranch near Seboyeta, New Mexico, where the pilot landed on a dirt road. After conducting business, the pilot and passengers took off for Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Accident Sequence
During takeoff from the ranch, as the aircraft turned on a crosswind leg, the engine quit. When the pilot leveled the wings, the engine restarted but then quit again. The pilot attempted a forced landing. During the approach, the pilot tried to avoid an arroyo. The aircraft stalled and crashed. The pilot was killed, while the three passengers survived.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination disclosed trapped fuel between the fuel controller and the fuel manifold. Approximately one-half tank of fuel was found in the left tank, while the right tank was empty. Witnesses reported seeing the pilot turn the fuel selector from the left tank to the right tank. All fuel lines were severed during the crash. The engine was later functionally tested and developed full power.