Accident Details
On the day of the accident, the pilot had flown a load of electronic equipment to Mexico the previous day, according to customs officials. The pilot reported that he had transported two Mexican citizens to Mexico the day before the accident. During the return flight, while on the base leg, the engine quit. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane impacted a concrete canal. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the private pilot received minor injuries.
Examination
After the accident, the airplane remained in the approach zone of the runway overnight. When it was examined, it was found to contain 8 to 10 gallons of fuel in the right wing and one gallon of fuel in a large plastic container located in the rear of the airplane. The fuel in the plastic container suggests additional fuel was aboard, though it was not in the main tanks.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that during the attempt to restart the engine, the fuel pump would not operate.