Flight History
The pilot had flown the airplane for about two hours the day before and had visually verified full fuel prior to that flight. He estimated that over two hours of fuel remained in the tanks. During the accident flight, the first leg lasted approximately 30 minutes with no difficulties reported.
Engine Power Loss
On the return flight, the fuel selector valve was in the "BOTH" position. During a descent from a cruise altitude of 6,000 feet, the engine began to sputter and lose power. It continued to run for about four minutes. The pilot attempted to operate the left and right tanks individually, but the engine remained at reduced power. He also alternated the magnetos between left, right, and both positions, but the engine did not respond and eventually quit.
Emergency Landing
The pilot declared an emergency on frequency 121.5. He circled and searched for a landing spot but found it too dark. Deciding that Interstate 5 was too busy, he elected to land on a side road. During the landing, the wing collided with a light pole and the airplane veered into a fence. Both wings separated from the airplane and the fuselage ripped open.
Post-Accident Observations
A deputy arrived at the scene within five minutes of the accident. He did not smell fuel, observe any puddles of fuel on the ground, or see any fuel stains on the pole. The left wing tank had ruptured, but the right wing tank remained intact. The deputy observed no fuel in the right tank.