Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that the airplane had undergone an annual inspection two months prior to the accident. The previous flight, from Chino, California, to Sacramento, California, and back to Chino, was completed without refueling after landing. The fuel computer/totalizer indicated 58 gallons remained onboard after that trip. On the accident flight, the pilot leaned the mixture and engaged the autopilot after leveling off. Shortly thereafter, the engine began surging. In response, the pilot enriched the mixture and turned the fuel boost pump to low, after which the engine lost total power. He performed the emergency checklist, maintaining the boost pump on and switching through the fuel tanks. After determining he could not reach the airport, he decided to land on a road, where the airplane struck a truck.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no fuel leaks in the lines or tanks. During disassembly, no fuel was found in the right main tank. The left main tank contained six gallons, the left tip tank contained seven gallons, and the right tip tank contained two gallons. The fuel selector was positioned to the left tip tank. A wet smear caked with dirt was present on the left tip tank from the filler port aft along the outboard side toward the trailing edge tip. The stopper-type filler caps for the tip tanks were found loose in the filler ports, and the rubber stoppers were cracked and deteriorated. Continuity of the fuel system was established. The aircraft master switch was energized, and the sending unit floats were manipulated by hand; the gauges read high. The engine was restarted with the aid of a serviceable propeller and fuel, and it accelerated normally to 1,700 rpm, where a magneto check showed a 60-rpm drop for both magnetos.