Departure and Fuel Management
Flight departed with full fuel tanks. The fuel selector was briefly positioned to the left tank, using approximately 2-3 gallons, then moved to the right tank for the remainder of the flight.
Loss of Engine Power
The aircraft was cleared to land from a left base leg. On short final approach, with flaps extended 20 degrees, the pilot added power. The engine did not respond. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot cycled the fuel pump switch, and fuel pressure decreased to zero.
Emergency Landing
The pilot declared a mayday. Unable to land on the runway, the aircraft collided with an embankment short of the displaced threshold. During the impact sequence, the left wing separated from the airplane.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft revealed that only approximately 2 ounces of fuel could be drained from the intact right wing fuel tank. The left wing fuel tank contained approximately 9 gallons of fuel. Fuel was added to the right wing tank, and the engine was started and operated to 800 rpm; damage to the propeller prevented operation at higher rpm.
The fuel vent system and fuel quantity indication system were examined. No evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction was found.