Flight and Engine Failure
A private pilot was flying a single-engine aircraft from Sanford, Florida, to Knoxville, Tennessee. While descending into Knoxville, the engine stopped. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the left tank after noting the right tank indicated empty. Attempts to restore full power were unsuccessful, and the engine stopped again. When the pilot rocked the wings, the engine briefly restarted before failing once more.
Forced Landing and Wreckage
Unable to maintain engine power, the pilot executed a forced landing. The aircraft came to rest on power lines adjacent to a road. During the impact, the left wing was severed from the airframe.
Fuel Observations and Pilot Report
Personnel at the accident site found no evidence of spilled fuel. The fuel tanks were ruptured and contained no fuel. The pilot reported that he had taken off with 50 gallons of fuel, and at the time the engine first quit, the left tank indicated 6 gallons. The flight duration was 5.7 hours. According to the pilot, the aircraft's cruise power fuel consumption was 8.4 gallons per hour at 75 percent power.