Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that before departure, the fuel gauges showed three-quarters full. He also stated that the left fuel gauge was intermittent during the flight. While on short final approach, the engine ceased operating. In response, the pilot moved the fuel selector from the left tank to the right tank. After the aircraft came to rest, fire personnel observed fuel leaking from the right tank drain. They subsequently placed the fuel selector in the off position to stop the leak.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft after the accident revealed that the left fuel tank was empty. The tank itself was intact and showed no signs of damage. However, testing of the left tank's quantity indicator found it to be inoperable. The right fuel tank contained fuel, but it had been breached by impact damage, which accounted for the leak observed by fire personnel.
Fuel System Findings
The investigation determined that the left fuel tank's quantity indicator was not functioning, which likely prevented the pilot from accurately assessing the fuel level in that tank. Although the pilot noted the left gauge was intermittent, the gauge reading at departure gave no indication of the actual fuel state. The engine failure occurred when the left tank became depleted. The subsequent switch to the right tank could not restore engine power in time to complete the landing.