What happened
The pilot intended to fly from Van Nuys to Santa Paula to take advantage of discounted fuel prices. At the time of takeoff, the four fuel tanks contained a total of 44 gallons. The pilot reported that no mechanical issues occurred during the flight. However, while approaching Santa Paula, the engine lost all power, necessitating a forced landing. The aircraft collided with rough terrain approximately one mile from the runway.
The investigation
Upon recovery of the aircraft, personnel drained the wings via the fuselage belly sump drain and found between 7 and 8 gallons of fuel remaining. A subsequent test run of the engine was performed, which revealed no malfunctions or discrepancies. Data from the Piper Aircraft Corp. indicated that at a nominal 75 percent power setting, the engine's fuel consumption rate is approximately 14 gallons per hour.