Accident Details
A pilot experienced a fuel pressure fluctuation during cruise flight. After switching from the left to the right fuel tank, the same fluctuation occurred. Activating the electric fuel pump temporarily resolved the issue. Approximately one hour later, the pilot switched fuel tanks again and turned off the pump. About 25 minutes after that, fuel pressure dropped to zero, and the engine lost power. The pilot attempted various engine-out procedures and maneuvers to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. He had been receiving radar flight following service and declared an emergency before landing the airplane on a service road adjacent to railroad tracks.
During the landing, the left wing was torn and the right main landing gear collapsed. A sheriff deputy who responded observed no fuel in the left fuel tank and very minimal fuel in the right tank. When the deputy turned on the master switch, the fuel gauges indicated fuel on board.
Fuel System Issues
A post-crash inspection of the fuel selector body and screen revealed contamination in the system. The owner photographed the components, which showed debris in the selector body below the fuel screen area. Both fuel tanks had been resealed with a similar colored compound in December 1997. The last annual inspection was performed in December 1999. The maintenance technician did not recall any unusual contamination at that time.