Incident Description
According to the accident investigation source, the pilot noticed he was low during the final approach and added power. When he advanced the throttle, he reported that there was no power. He observed that the engine RPM was low. The pilot then attempted to operate the throttle and switched fuel tanks, but still had no power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot elected to land short of the runway on grass. As the airplane touched down on the grass, the main landing gear caught a ditch. The aircraft continued on the grass for about 100 yards, veered left, and the wing struck a fence post.
Pilot's Account
An FAA inspector provided a statement summarizing the pilot's account. The first time the pilot recounted the events, he stated that he turned on the boost pump, reduced throttle, and turned base to final. He realized the approach would be short and applied throttle with no engine response. The second time the pilot was asked to recount the events, he added that he applied carb heat.
Investigation Findings
Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system. Fuel was found in both fuel tanks, and the fuel selector was positioned to the 'Right' tank. Fuel was also present in the gascolator. The engine was test run and no discrepancies were found.