Accident Overview
Witnesses observed an airplane flying at low altitude with the engine cutting out before it ceased operation completely. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a corn field, 1 hour and 26 minutes after departure. Investigators found no traces of fuel at the accident site, nor any evidence of fuel leakage or venting.
Impact and Post-Impact Examination
The airplane impacted the terrain in a nose-down pitch attitude of approximately 30 degrees and with a right roll of 30 degrees. Examination of the right fuel tank gauge revealed an indicated fuel level of about 1/8 tank. Inside the right fuel tank, the fuel level transmitter float was lodged against a rib.
Fuel System Component Findings
The fuel level float was found to have a protruding wire that had not been trimmed as required. This wire was long enough to contact wing station rib #68, which likely impeded the float's movement. The fuel level transmitter was an authorized replacement part and had not been originally installed on the aircraft as new equipment.
Engine Test Run
The engine was removed from the airframe and subjected to a test cell run. It operated normally and within all performance specifications, indicating no mechanical defect.
Pilot Pre-Flight Actions
A passenger reported that the pilot had checked both fuel tanks before the flight and stated that there was 3-1/2 hours of fuel on board.