Previous Flight and Repairs
On a prior flight, the aircraft's electrical system overheated and failed, prompting the pilot to divert to Bishop, California, where the system was repaired.
Incident Flight
Approximately one hour after takeoff on the following flight, the alternator circuit breaker popped. The pilot turned off the electrical master switch and decided to continue toward the destination.
Shortly thereafter, the engine began to surge and subsequently lost power. The pilot initiated emergency procedures but did not recall switching the fuel selector. He maneuvered the aircraft to land at a nearby airport, but after extending the landing gear, he realized the aircraft would not reach the runway.
While preparing for an off-airport landing, the pilot saw transmission lines ahead but had insufficient speed to fly over them. While crossing under the wires to land, the aircraft hit the ground and was damaged.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination revealed the fuel selector was positioned to the left tank, which contained only ounces of fuel. The right tank had an estimated 15 to 20 gallons of fuel remaining. When checked, the alternator circuit failed to sustain an electrical load at its rated capacity.