Accident Overview
The pilot conducted a flight with the fuel selector positioned to the 'Left Tank.' During the flight, the engine experienced a total loss of power. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful, leading the pilot to perform a forced landing at an abandoned airport.
Landing and Damage
During the landing roll, the left main landing gear struck a pile of concrete debris. The impact caused the left wing to separate from the fuselage. Post-accident examination confirmed the left wing had detached from the aircraft structure.
Fuel Management
Inspection of the fuel system revealed that the left fuel tank contained less than one gallon of fuel. The right fuel tank contained approximately 16 gallons of fuel. The fuel line from the left tank to the fuselage was found to have been compromised during the accident sequence; however, no evidence of spilled fuel was observed.
Post-Accident Testing
After the accident, the fuel selector was moved to the 'Right Tank' position. With the selector in this position, the engine started and ran normally, confirming the availability of fuel in the right tank.
Examination Findings
The investigation documented that fuel starvation occurred due to the selection of a tank with inadequate fuel. The aircraft was landed at an abandoned airport, where ground debris contributed to structural damage.