Incident Overview
A single-engine airplane (registration not specified) experienced a complete loss of engine power during a practice flight. The aircraft was performing a low pass down a runway with a wing walker strapped to the upper wing when the power loss occurred. The pilot reported being unable to maneuver back to the runway and executed a forced landing into a wooded residential area. The pilot aimed to land in the treetops, but the airplane descended nose-first to the ground.
Accounts from Occupants
The pilot stated that the engine failure was caused by a failed fuel pump; however, he did not submit the pump for examination. The wing walker, who was present on the wing during the flight, asserted that the power loss resulted from fuel exhaustion.
On-Scene Investigation
An on-scene examination by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed some fuel remaining in the tank and evidence of fuel spillage around the accident site. No further details regarding the quantity of fuel or the condition of the fuel system were provided in the source.
Conclusions from the Source
The source does not state a probable cause for the accident. The pilot and wing walker offered differing explanations: the pilot cited a mechanical failure (fuel pump), while the wing walker cited fuel exhaustion. The FAA examination confirmed the presence of fuel but did not determine the precise cause of the power loss. No injuries or fatalities were mentioned in the report.