Accident Sequence
A pilot flew to an airport with the intention of purchasing fuel but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, he planned to return to his home base airport. According to the pilot, three of the airplane's four fuel tanks were either empty or contained at most 5 gallons of fuel. For takeoff, the pilot selected the left main fuel tank. The airplane climbed to between 400 and 500 feet before experiencing a total loss of engine power. The pilot then executed a forced landing beyond the departure end of the runway, during which the airplane collided with the airport's perimeter fence.
Initial Report
Immediately following the accident, while still on scene, the pilot reported that he had evidently exhausted the airplane's fuel supply. The pilot then partially disassembled the airplane and moved it from Nevada to North Carolina.
Clarification
Approximately two months later, the pilot indicated to the Safety Board investigator that he desired to clarify the initial information he had provided. According to the pilot, during the accident flight, the airplane had contained between 24 and 26 gallons of fuel, but only an estimated 5 gallons of this quantity was in the left main fuel tank, which was selected during takeoff.
Fuel Pump Examination
The engine-driven fuel pump was examined in North Carolina and was found contaminated with metal shavings and other debris. The rubber diaphragm had small holes and cuts that could have reduced the pump's ability to deliver full designed pressure. No record was found in the maintenance records indicating that the pump had ever been replaced, and it is believed to be an original production installation on the engine.