Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while in level flight at approximately 1,000 feet above ground level, the engine sputtered, surged, and then quit. The pilot decided to execute a forced landing on an east-west road. The pilot's last memory before the accident was turning to the right to align with the road.
Passenger Account
According to a passenger, while the pilot was maneuvering the airplane for the emergency landing, she looked out and saw the tops of the trees. Shortly after, it felt as if something lifted the left side of the plane, and the aircraft struck the ground.
Wing and Fuel Tank Damage
The right wing separated during the impact with terrain, rupturing the right main fuel tank. The left main fuel tank remained intact, and 14 gallons of fuel were drained from it. The two wing-tip tanks were destroyed during the impact. A passenger confirmed that fuel was present in both wingtip tanks during the flight, observing the quantity through transparent windows on the tanks.
Engine and Fuel System Examination
Examination of the engine and its fuel system revealed no fuel present in the fuel injection system. No additional anomalies were found with the engine or the airplane's fuel system.
Fuel Quantity and Flight Duration
According to the airplane owner, approximately 60 gallons of fuel were onboard when the pilot departed Independence Memorial Airport. The fuel was distributed equally among four fuel tanks: two main tanks and two wing-tip tanks. The accident flight was estimated to have lasted 45 minutes.