Accident Sequence
The flight originated from Greenwood Municipal Airport (HFY) in Greenwood, Indiana, with a planned round trip to Waukegan Regional Airport (UGN) in Waukegan, Illinois. While in cruise flight approximately 10 miles from the destination airport, the engine ceased operation. The pilot successfully restarted the engine by switching to the alternate fuel tank. Subsequently, the engine experienced two more power losses before becoming unable to restart. The final power loss occurred about 2 miles from the destination airport. The pilot initiated a forced landing but was unable to reach Runway 19, and the aircraft impacted the airport perimeter fence during the approach.
Fuel Consumption Calculations
According to the pilot, he planned for a fuel consumption rate of 10 gallons per hour, yielding an estimated endurance of 4 hours and 48 minutes. The total trip duration, recorded by the pilot's GPS unit, was 3 hours and 52 minutes. The aircraft's Hobbs meter indicated 3.9 hours had elapsed since initial departure from HFY. The pilot reported an engine cruise setting of 2,350 rpm with mixture leaned at cruising altitude. The Pilot Operating Handbook for the aircraft specifies a fuel flow of 9.5 gallons per hour at 65% maximum power, with a maximum usable fuel capacity of 48 gallons. Using the 48-gallon capacity and the 3.9-hour flight time, the calculated fuel flow is approximately 12.307 gallons per hour.
Post-Accident Findings
Following the accident, investigators examined the fuel system. No fuel was found in the fuel strainer bowl, the fuel line leading to the carburetor, or the fuel filter located on the electric fuel pump. The pilot reported that the first engine power interruption occurred approximately 10 miles north of the destination airport. Notably, Post-Air Airport (7L8) in Indianapolis, Indiana, is located 8.1 nautical miles from the destination airport at a magnetic bearing of 028.4°.