Overview
A pilot was returning to his home airport after a four-hour round-robin flight that included one landing and takeoff en route. The aircraft's fuel tanks were full at the initial departure, and no fuel was added during the trip. At the time of the accident, the fuel quantity was calculated to be 25 gallons.
Sequence of Events
Approximately half a mile from the runway, the pilot reported losing engine power. A witness observed the aircraft's nose rise, followed by a steep descending right turn before the aircraft collided with the ground. The impact sequence ruptured the right wing tank, while the left tank was leaking. Only 5 gallons of fuel were recovered from the left tank.
Investigation Findings
A post-crash operational test of the engine did not reveal any evidence of a failure or malfunction that would have caused an engine failure. Examination of the cockpit showed that the fuel selector handle pointed toward the right fuel tank. However, when the fuel selector valve was removed, it was found positioned between the off and left tank positions.