Accident Overview
An aircraft crashed in a residential yard after the pilot reported an engine failure during initial radio contact for landing at Modesto, California. The aircraft collided with trees before impacting a garage and was subsequently destroyed by post-crash fire. The pilot received fatal burns.
Flight Details
Prior to takeoff, the aircraft's fuel tanks were filled. The pilot had flown approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes and reached a point 260 nautical miles along his visual flight route. He reported his location as north of the Modesto airport on initial radio contact for landing. Shortly thereafter, the pilot announced that the engine had failed.
Weather and Post-Crash Examination
Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) existed about 19 nautical miles north of the accident site. A post-crash operational test of the engine did not produce any evidence of a preimpact malfunction or failure.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was destroyed by post-crash fire. The pilot received fatal burns.