Accident Overview
While en route from Richmond, Kentucky to Wise, Virginia on a pleasure flight, the airplane collided with trees on Rockhouse Mountain. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and both the pilot and passenger were seriously injured.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination revealed the fuel selector was positioned to the left tank. However, no evidence of fuel was found in the vicinity of the separated left wing and ruptured tank. The right wing was completely severed from the fuselage, but the right fuel tank remained intact and contained approximately four gallons of fuel.
Engine Inspection
Damage to the engine precluded a test stand run, but no mechanical deficiencies or malfunctions were noted during teardown examination.
Circumstances
At the time of the accident, the pilot was circling around the passenger's house so that he could observe it from the air.