Accident Details
An airplane made a forced landing in a residential area near Santa Maria Airport after losing engine power during cruise flight. During the touchdown and landing roll, the airplane collided with obstructions. The flight had originated in Reno, Nevada, with an en route stop in Concord, California.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the fuel tanks contained 34 total gallons upon departure from Reno. The pilot did not refuel the airplane during the stop at Concord. While en route, approximately 25 miles northwest of the accident site, the pilot first observed indications of a low fuel state. The pilot notified Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) of the situation and stated that he would be diverting to Santa Maria due to the critical fuel condition. After switching frequencies to the Santa Maria Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) local controller, the pilot reported that he thought the airplane was out of fuel. Two minutes later, the pilot announced that he was "completely out of fuel" and expressed doubt about reaching the runway.
Pilot Statement
Responding police officers reported that the pilot told them he had believed the fuel on board was adequate to continue to his intended destination.
Fuel System Examination
Examination of the fuel system revealed no breaches in either of the fuel tanks or the fuel lines. No fuel was found in the tanks.