Incident Overview
As the pilot was returning to the airport, he transmitted that the engine had lost power. At that time, he was too far away to reach the airport and stated that he would have to land "just below." A witness heard power interruptions and saw the airplane circle an area containing a dirt pit, landfill, and roadway.
Witness Observations
A witness in a vehicle on the roadway observed the airplane at low altitude, estimated at 75 to 100 feet above ground level (AGL). The witness reported that the airplane then descended in a nose and right wing low attitude before it crashed.
Post-Crash Findings
Upon arriving at the crash site, a witness noted oil draining from the airplane but did not see any fuel leakage, although numerous fuel lines were severed. The investigation found no preimpact mechanical failure. The fuel selector was found in the "OFF" position, and 1.3 gallons of fuel was drained from the fuel tanks. According to the pilot's operating handbook, 1.5 gallons of the fuel supply was unusable. Records showed that the airplane had been flown 3.5 hours since it was last refueled.