Overview
A cross-country flight from Greeley, Colorado, to Burlington, Iowa, ended in an accident after the aircraft experienced two separate engine power losses. The pilot initially encountered a loss of engine power approximately 20 miles from Centerville, Iowa, and set up for a forced landing in a field. Just prior to touchdown, engine power was regained, allowing the pilot to climb the aircraft to 3,000 feet and proceed toward the nearest airport.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft approached the airport, approximately 2 to 2.5 miles from the runway, engine power was lost a second time. During the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft contacted a fence and collided nose-down with the terrain short of the runway.
Post-Accident Findings
A post-accident inspection revealed that the right fuel tank contained 5 gallons of fuel, while the left tank was empty. The carburetor bowl contained only a couple drops of fuel, and the gascolator was empty.