Accident Overview
A pilot and a passenger were completing a personal cross-country flight. The pilot acknowledged clearance to land, after which no further communication was received from the airplane. The final approach segment to the runway was over a residential and light industrial business area.
Witnesses reported that the airplane appeared to be flying low and that the engine was not running. Subsequently, the airplane impacted near the top of a stainless steel storage tank, approximately 35 ft above the ground. The impact point was about 800 ft short of the runway and 50 ft right of the runway centerline.
The airplane was destroyed and the occupants received fatal injuries.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the fuel selector revealed that it was positioned between the 'Off' and the right fuel tank position. This position would not allow any fuel to go to the engine. No preimpact part failure was found that would have resulted in the accident.