Incident Overview
A pilot on a pleasure flight experienced a sudden engine failure during the landing phase. After contacting the tower for landing, the engine ceased operation. The pilot attempted an unsuccessful restart and subsequently initiated a forced landing. During the approach, the aircraft struck trees and shrub brush.
On-Scene Examination
Investigation at the scene revealed no fuel in the left wing and no evidence of fuel leakage from that area. The outboard six feet of the right wing tip had been broken away, and fuel was observed leaking from the right wing. The pilot reported that he had switched from the left fuel tank to the right tank minutes before the engine failed.
Engine Inspection
An inspection of the engine found no mechanical failures or malfunctions, with the exception of the left magneto capacitor, which was not functioning when bench tested.