Incident Overview
An airplane departed from Hayward, California, en route to Ukiah with fuel levels in both tanks measured at 1 inch from the top of the filler neck. The pilot selected the right tank for the flight to Ukiah, the landing, and the subsequent takeoff for the return trip to Hayward.
Sequence of Events
After departing from runway 33, the pilot initiated a right turn at an altitude of 400 feet above ground level (agl). Passing through 500 feet, the pilot encountered a power fluctuation. Concerned, he continued the turn to set up for a landing on runway 15. The engine then quit producing power, and the pilot established a glide to attempt a return to the airport.
Pilot Actions
The pilot advanced the mixture, throttle, and propeller controls and verified the ignition was on, but did not have time to switch fuel tanks. The airplane subsequently collided with a fence along the airport boundary.
Post-Accident Examination
The FAA accident coordinator observed that the fuel selector was positioned on the right tank. Draining from that tank yielded 12 ounces of fuel. Examination of the fuel inlet line to the engine revealed no fuel present. The left tank fuel level was measured at 1 inch below the filler neck.
Checklists
The takeoff and approach and landing checklists in the Owner's Handbook instruct the pilot to select the fullest tank for landing and the proper tank for takeoff.