Flight and Fuel
A private pilot planned a cross-country flight of 3 hours and 45 minutes and estimated the single-engine airplane had 5.0 hours of fuel on board. The Hobbs meter indicated the accident flight lasted 4.9 hours.
Loss of Engine Power
The airplane was in the traffic pattern at the destination airport when the pilot reported a loss of engine power. Witnesses observed the airplane on final approach and noted that no engine noise was heard.
Impact
The airplane impacted a 30-degree slope approximately 30 feet below the top of a mesa. The airport was located on top of the mesa, and the impact occurred about 1,000 feet short of the runway threshold.
Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of usable fuel. No other anomalies were found during the examination of the airframe or engine.
Pilot Statement
The pilot was unable to recall the final 10 minutes of the flight.