Introduction
The airplane, fueled to capacity (25 gallons each in left and right main tanks; 17 gallons each in left and right auxiliary tanks; total 84 gallons), departed on a flight.
Flight History
After 4 hours and 10 minutes airborne, the pilot reported the airplane "began to feel heavy and mushy." Two passengers were repositioned, but the airplane "continued to feel heavy with loss of altitude and stall light flashing." The engine then "began to miss" and "appeared not to have power." The pilot flew toward a low spot in a bowl, hoping to reach a lower elevation, and executed a forced landing in an area "that looked flat and soft."
Witness Observations
Witnesses saw the airplane bounce three times, after which the left wing broke off as the airplane spun to a stop.
Post-Accident Inspection
Numerous empty beer cans (approximately two 12-packs) were found in the airplane. The pilot stated that his male passenger had consumed the beer. The fuel selector was positioned on the right main tank. The salvage company reported that the right tanks appeared empty, with "very little" fuel in the separated left wing tanks. They drained 2 gallons of fuel from the right main tank and about 3 gallons from the right auxiliary tank; no fuel was recovered from the separated left wing's tanks. The carburetor bowl was opened and found dry, and no fuel was found in the line between the engine-driven fuel pump and the carburetor. Magnetos tested normally. Both the engine-driven fuel pump and auxiliary boost pumps were dry but tested satisfactorily.
Toxicology
The pilot's toxicological report was negative for ethanol but positive for benzodiazepines. The pilot told the hospital physician he was taking Paxil for depression. According to an FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI) toxicologist, Paxil is a benzodiazepine and is contraindicated for flying.