What happened
The pilot departed with full fuel tanks and operated the aircraft for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes prior to the accident. Near the accident site, the aircraft was observed flying erratically under a ceiling of 300 to 400 feet during strong, gusty wind conditions. Witnesses noted that the engine appeared to be cutting in and out. While traveling northbound with a 25 to 40 knot tailwind, the aircraft was seen to pitch up abruptly, rotate to the left, and nose down into the ground.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the airframe, powerplant, and systems showed no evidence of any failure or mechanical difficulty occurring prior to the impact. Investigators found that the left fuel tank was nearly full. Although the right fuel tank was compromised during the impact, there was no evidence of fuel spillage at the site. At the time of the accident, the landing gear was extended and the fuel boost pump was turned on. Notably, the fuel selector was found to be jammed in an intermediate position. Based on fuel consumption calculations using a 75% rate, it was determined that as much as half of the available fuel may have been consumed during the flight.