Overview
A pilot departing from Tucson, Arizona, encountered an engine failure approximately 30 minutes into the flight. The pilot attempted a forced landing at Pinal Airpark, located about 31 miles north-northwest of Tucson. The aircraft struck rough terrain roughly 350 yards short of the runway.
Flight Details
The pilot had spent the night in Tucson and refueled the aircraft to its capacity of 36 gallons before departing on the final leg of the journey. At an altitude of about 6,000 feet MSL, approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, the engine failed. The pilot then attempted a forced landing at Pinal Airpark but collided with the rough terrain short of the runway.
Investigation
FAA inspectors conducted an on-scene investigation. They noted no obvious failures or malfunctions in the engine.