Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, a private pilot who was not instrument flight rules (IFR) rated was traveling on business. The pilot routinely engaged the services of a safety pilot, and an IFR-rated pilot was retained for the flight.
Flight Sequence
The IFR portion of the flight was cancelled at approximately 4,000 feet in the vicinity of the airport. A witness reported that the airplane appeared to be high and fast on the approach. The landing gear and flaps were observed to be in the down position. Engine power was heard to be reduced, followed by only the sound of a windmilling propeller. The airplane then pitched up, stalled, and departed from controlled flight, assuming a right wing low, nose low attitude.
Impact and Post-Accident
Ground impact was made in the same attitude. A post-impact fire consumed the wreckage.
Fuel Selector Examination
The fuel selector was found to be positioned between the OFF and left tank position at the accident site. Subsequent laboratory examination confirmed this finding. This resulted in the fuel starvation induced loss of power.