Event Description
The aircraft was executing a visual approach to land during nighttime. At an altitude of approximately 400 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot later reported that the landing lights provided sufficient illumination to land safely, but he was unable to see hay bales and an approach light pole in the emergency landing area in time to avoid them. As a result, the aircraft struck a hay bale and the light pole, sustaining damage.
Fuel Analysis
According to records, the aircraft had been serviced with 87 gallons of fuel prior to the flight. This amount was considered sufficient for the planned flight duration of 3 hours and 25 minutes. However, an examination conducted after the incident revealed that the fuel tanks were nearly empty.
Fuel System Examination
A subsequent inspection of the fuel system disclosed that the fuel line from the firewall to the engine was only finger tight at its connection with the engine.