Accident Sequence
According to the pilot's report, while descending toward Apple Valley Airport, the engine began to run rough and then lost power. At the time, the pilot was using the left auxiliary fuel cell. He immediately switched to the right main tank, which was the fullest, but was unable to restart the engine even after positioning the fuel selector to other tanks. As the aircraft neared the ground, the pilot attempted to land on a dirt road but lacked sufficient altitude and landed in rough terrain. The aircraft collided with a berm during the landing sequence.
Fuel System Examination
After the accident, recovery personnel found approximately 23 gallons of fuel in the right main tank and 10 gallons in the left auxiliary. Both tanks were leaking fuel at the time. The fuel selector was found positioned to the right main tank. Inspection of the fuel system revealed that the left auxiliary fuel cell vent lines were plugged by insects and mud at two different internal locations.
Engine Inspection
Postcrash inspection of the engine showed no discrepancies.