Accident Overview
During a visual approach to the runway, the pilot instructed passengers to hold on after a high sink rate developed. According to passenger reports, the engine did not respond to an attempted increase in power. The airplane subsequently struck trees and the ground before reaching the runway, causing the wing fuel tanks to rupture.
Passenger Accounts
One passenger reported observing fuel leaking from the right wing prior to impact. The airport manager, upon arriving at the accident site, noted the absence of any fuel odor.
Post-Accident Examination
Following recovery of the wreckage, no fuel was found in the fuel system header tanks. The engine was removed from the accident site and operated successfully during a subsequent examination. The absence of fuel in the header tanks and the engine's ability to run after removal suggest a possible fuel supply issue, though no definitive cause was stated in the investigation.