Accident Sequence
While in cruise over mountainous terrain, the aircraft experienced a decrease in fuel pressure, followed by engine stoppage. The pilot attempted to restore power by activating the hand-operated pump on the fuel selector and switching between fuel tanks, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The pilot identified a desert floor airport just beyond the mountains and attempted a forced landing on Runway 25. However, the aircraft landed approximately 100 yards short of the runway in rough desert terrain.
Findings
FAA inspectors examined the aircraft post-accident. The fuel selector valve was found positioned on the right tank, and the selector handle was extended into the pump operating position. No fuel was detected in the right fuel tank, and no evidence of fuel spillage was observed on the ground surrounding the aircraft. The left fuel tank contained approximately one-quarter to one-half of its capacity.
Functional tests were conducted on the engine-driven fuel pump and the combined fuel selector valve and hand fuel pump unit; both were found to operate correctly. The combination fuel selector and hand-operated fuel pump unit has two separate modes. When the handle is in the down position, the unit functions as a fuel selector valve. When the handle is extended into the pump position, the fuel selector valve mode is disabled.
The pilot had purchased the aircraft approximately three weeks prior to the accident and had accumulated only six hours of flight time in that aircraft.