Flight Details
Before departing on the initial parachute jumping flight, the pilot used a dipstick to check both fuel tanks and found they contained 23 gallons of fuel. Based on this reading, the pilot calculated that there would be enough fuel to conduct both the initial and a second flight before refueling would be required.
Loss of Power
After the parachute jumper exited the airplane on the second flight, during the normal descent toward the airport, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power.
Emergency Landing
With insufficient altitude to reach the airport, the pilot elected to land in a grape vineyard. While maneuvering for the emergency landing, the airplane struck an unmarked transmission wire and subsequently crashed.
Fuel Remaining
Post-accident examination revealed that the airplane contained about 8 gallons of fuel, which was the unusable amount for all attitudes.