Accident Sequence
The accident occurred while the airplane was attempting a forced landing on a highway. During the landing, the airplane collided with a speed limit sign. The impact caused the airplane to nosed over, and it subsequently struck the ground in an inverted position.
Pilot Report
Prior to the accident, the pilot contacted Air Traffic Control and reported that he was experiencing fuel pressure problems and that the engine was running rough.
Post-Crash Examination
Investigators conducting the post-crash examination of the wreckage focused on the fuel system. They discovered that the gascolator bowl was not secured tightly. The retaining nut was safetied in the maximum-tight position, yet the bowl was loose. Additional investigation revealed that the bail wire did not have the shape and dimensions required by the aircraft manufacturer, Piper Aircraft. As a result, the bowl could only be tightened by positioning the retaining nut off-center with respect to the bail wire.
Maintenance History
The aircraft had received its annual inspection approximately one operating hour prior to the accident. The mechanic who performed that inspection reported that the gascolator had been removed and cleaned as part of the inspection procedure.