Accident Overview
The flight originated at Hayward, California, with stops at San Carlos and Corning, California. The pilot's destination was the Red Bluff Airport (RBL). According to the pilot, both main fuel tanks were full upon departure from Hayward.
Flight History
The pilot flew to San Carlos, where three passengers were picked up. The flight then continued to Corning. The pilot reported a total flight time of 1.2 hours before landing at Corning. Prior to departure from Corning, the pilot did not visually check the fuel tanks. The pilot took off using the right main fuel tank.
Engine Power Loss and Crash
Just after takeoff from Corning, the engine lost power and the aircraft crashed.
Fuel System Examination
Examination of the fuel tanks revealed no evidence of fuel in the right main fuel tank. Approximately 14 gallons of fuel were found in the left main tank, and about 5 gallons were found in the left auxiliary tank. No evidence of fuel leakage from the fuel tanks or the engine area was observed.
Fuel Consumption Details
The investigation noted that when the right main tank is selected, the amount of fuel burned, in addition to the fuel used by the fuel injection system (about 10 gallons per hour), is removed from the right tank. Excess fuel is returned only to the left main tank.