Flight Details
The pilot and instructor-rated passenger had flown from Long Beach, California, to Placerville, California, under an IFR flight plan covering about 340 nautical miles. The aircraft carried an estimated 5 hours of fuel, with total round-trip flying time estimated at 4 hours and 20 minutes. The usable fuel capacity across four tanks was 86 gallons if properly filled. According to the handbook, fuel consumption was estimated at 12.7 to 14.1 gallons per hour.
Loss of Engine Power
Just before landing, while turning base leg, the engine lost power. Subsequently, during a forced landing, the aircraft collided with a light standard and a utility pole. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact.
Fuel System
The pilot estimated that 40 to 45 gallons of fuel remained for the return flight. Neither the pilot nor the instructor-rated passenger stated the technique used for switching among the four fuel tanks (gauges or timing). After the accident, about 2.5 gallons of fuel was found remaining in an auxiliary tank. The fuel system was compromised in the accident, and some fuel spilled from the other tanks.
Placard Warning
A placard on the instrument panel warned that "uncoordinated maneuvers including long side slips and fast taxi turns just prior to takeoff, may cause loss of power, especially if fuel tank is less than half full."