Accident Sequence
The pilot of the accident airplane had just canceled an IFR clearance and was descending in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions when the engine lost power at approximately 1200 feet above ground level. He declared an emergency to air traffic control and attempted to restart the engine, but these attempts were unsuccessful. At that point, he decided to stop trying to restart and focused on landing. He recalled thinking, "I've got to stop playing with it and land this thing." He remembered turning the main fuel switch off just before the airplane struck the treetops.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the wreckage after the accident disclosed no mechanical defects in the airframe. No mechanical defects were noted in the engine that would have caused an in-flight stoppage. Examination of the fuel system showed that the main fuel switch was in the off position and the secondary auxiliary fuel tank selector switch was selected to an empty auxiliary tank. Fuel was present in all of the main fuel tanks and in the other auxiliary tank.
Fuel System Details
The fuel system consisted of main fuel tanks and two auxiliary tanks. The examination revealed that the main fuel switch was off, and the secondary auxiliary tank selector was positioned to an empty tank, while fuel remained available in the main tanks and the other auxiliary tank. The reason for the fuel switch positions was not determined from the examination.