Incident
Four hours and ten minutes after departure, witnesses reported seeing an airplane conducting a power-off approach toward the ninth hole of a golf course located one mile south of the destination airport. The aircraft was observed making abrupt changes in pitch and bank angle before colliding with the fairway. The ninth hole measured 455 yards in length and was oriented east-west.
Aircraft and Fuel Analysis
The airplane's owner's manual specified a fuel capacity of 39 gallons, with 36 gallons usable. According to the Cruise and Range Performance Chart, at a 67 percent power setting the airplane consumed 7.6 gallons per hour. Calculated fuel consumption for a four-hour flight was 30.4 gallons. The chart did not account for additional fuel required for start-up, taxi, run-up, takeoff, and climb to altitude.
Fuel records and conversations with the fixed-base operator indicated that the airplane was “topped off” before the initial four-hour leg. Prior to the return leg, 20 gallons of fuel were added. Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies. Less than one gallon of fuel was recovered from the fuel system. The flaps were found fully retracted.
Landing Procedure Reference
The owner's manual described the procedure for a short field landing as follows: “...make a power-off approach at approximately 67 MPH with flaps 40 [degrees], and land on the main wheels first. Immediately after touchdown, lower the nose gear to the ground and apply heavy braking as required.”