Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, an airplane experienced a loss of engine power while on final approach. The pilot pulled up to clear powerlines, during which the aircraft stalled. The left wing dropped abruptly, and the airplane nosed down, impacting the ground in a left wing low attitude approximately 100 yards short of the landing threshold.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported to a local law enforcement officer that the engine lost power on final approach and that he "was not quick enough to switch the fuel selector to the other tank." The pilot estimated having about 40 gallons of fuel prior to departing on a 35-nautical mile flight.
Examination of Fuel System
An FAA inspector examined the fuel system and found that the airplane was equipped with an extended range fuel system comprising a total of 7 fuel cells: 3 cells in each wing and a fuselage tank aft of the baggage compartment. Most of the fuel cells were compromised during impact, and evidence of spilled fuel was observed on the ground.