Accident Overview
According to the investigation, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power during the climb phase of flight. The pilot subsequently executed an intentional maneuver to avoid a home. During this maneuver, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall, collided with trees, and fell to the ground.
Fuel System Examination
Post-accident inspection of the fuel system revealed several findings. Residual fuel was present in the carburetor bowl and the electric fuel pump. However, no fuel was found in the fuel lines running from the fuel selector to the engine. The fuel selector was positioned to the right tank. The right wing fuel tank was empty and had been torn open; no fuel stains were observed around the tear, and no fuel was noted on the frozen ground below the right tank. In contrast, approximately 12 to 15 gallons of fuel were retrieved from the left wing, and an undetermined amount of fuel dripped from the left tank through a damaged fuel line.
Fuel Consumption and Capacity
Fuel and airplane records indicated that the airplane had flown 3.1 hours since its last refueling. At a 75% power setting, fuel flow is approximately 10.5 gallons per hour. Each fuel tank has a total capacity of 25 gallons, of which 1 gallon is unusable.
Conclusion
The investigation did not state a probable cause for the accident.