What happened
The aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power while operating in cruise flight conditions. The pilot reported that the airplane entered a stall at an altitude of approximately 50 feet above the ground during the execution of a forced landing maneuver.
The investigation
Following the incident, Federal Aviation Administration inspectors conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft to determine if mechanical failure contributed to the event. Their inspection revealed no evidence of a mechanical problem with the engine itself.
However, investigators identified a critical issue regarding the fuel system configuration. They found that the fuel tank selector valve was positioned halfway between the left main tank and the left tip tank. This intermediate position likely prevented fuel from reaching the engine, leading to fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of power.