On July 6, 1991, an Alon A2 (registration N6570Q) operated by Barth E.may was involved in an aviation accident near Trinity Center, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL WAS AVAILABLE. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS SOFT TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane on a VFR downwind leg experienced an engine failure. The pilot landed on a lake shore, where uneven terrain sheared the nose gear and caused the aircraft to nose over. No mechanical malfunction was found; fuel tanks contained about 1 inch each.
Circumstances of the Accident
The airplane was entering the downwind segment of a visual flight rules (VFR) landing approach when the engine stopped producing power. Unable to glide to the intended airport, the pilot chose to land on the shore of a nearby lake. During the landing roll, the airplane struck uneven terrain, which sheared off the nose landing gear. The aircraft subsequently nosed over.
Post-Accident Observations
Following the accident, an anonymous call was made to 911. Law enforcement personnel who responded noted that each fuel tank contained approximately 1 inch of fuel. A subsequent inspection of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunction.
Pilot Documentation
The pilot did not possess any required documents for either the airplane or himself. The pilot provided a false name to law enforcement. His airman certificate had been revoked in 1975. The pilot did not return any reporting documents related to the accident.