Accident Overview
An aircraft on a cross-country flight from San Rafael, California, to Denver, Colorado, experienced a loss of engine power after approximately 6 hours of flight. The pilot attempted unsuccessfully to restart the engine and subsequently conducted an emergency landing in a field.
Landing and Damage
During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a fence and an irrigation ditch. The impact damaged both wings and caused fuel to spill from tanks in both wings. The local fire chief reported that firefighters recovered more than 25 gallons of fuel during cleanup operations.
Fuel Considerations
The airplane was equipped with auxiliary long-range tip tanks. It departed with 114 gallons of fuel on board. Based on standard-day values, performance calculations indicated that the airplane had burned about 84 gallons in 6 hours of cruise. Takeoff and climb would have increased the amount of fuel used.