Flight Preparation
Before departing on a cross-country flight, the pilot visually inspected the fuel tanks to confirm the specified quantity. The tanks appeared evenly fueled to the required level, though the right fuel gauge indicated a lower reading than the left.
In-Flight Event
While cruising at 11,000 feet mean sea level, with approximately 30 minutes remaining to the destination, the pilot observed the right tank fuel gauge indicating less than one-quarter full, while the left tank gauge showed slightly less than one-half full. Shortly thereafter, the left engine ceased operating. The pilot requested vectors to the nearest airport, which was about 4 miles away. The aircraft's single-engine service ceiling under the prevailing conditions was 5,500 feet msl; the terrain elevation was 6,874 feet, and the density altitude was 8,100 feet.
Landing and Post-Landing Examination
During the descent for landing, the pilot attempted to restart the left engine, believing it might run. The engine started and continued to operate until the pilot shut it down via the mixture control after landing. The pilot spotted what he thought was the airport, but upon approach realized it was a residential street. Due to unexplainable power problems, he continued the approach and landed. During the landing roll, the left wing collided with a mailbox post.
Following the incident, an examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel lines were crossed. No maintenance entry could be found to determine when this error occurred. Examination of similar aircraft showed no instance of such fuel line routing. With the fuel feed line plumbing arranged as found, if the pilot had selected cross feed, both engines could have lost power.