Accident Sequence
On final approach for landing, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing on a city street. During the landing, the airplane struck trees, the ground, and a stopped car before coming to rest impaled on a pole at a corner auto sales lot. First responders reported seeing fuel leaking from the engine area, after which a fire started. The airplane sustained fire damage to the cabin, aft engine areas, and both wings.
Preflight and Flight Details
The mechanic/pilot was conducting a flight test of the autopilot and turbocharger systems following a 50-hour inspection. According to the owner, the airplane had about 20 gallons of fuel in each tank when it was dropped off at the maintenance shop on October 19, 2002. The mechanic/pilot indicated that there were 40 gallons of fuel onboard prior to takeoff, and the test flight lasted about 45 minutes. He reported that the left fuel tank gauge read 1/4 tank, and the right fuel tank gauge read between 1/4 and 1/2 tank.
When the flight reached a cruise altitude of 16,000 feet, the pilot switched the fuel tank selector but did not recall which tank he selected. About 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot told the passenger that they were low on fuel but that it would be okay. The passenger noted that both fuel gauges read less than 1/4 tank at that time. The pilot tested the autopilot for 8 minutes and then returned to the airport for landing. Prior to entering the airport environment, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the fullest tank, which he believed was the right fuel tank. The first approach was too high, and the pilot requested and received clearance to conduct a go-around to lose altitude. During the second approach, the engine quit.
Post-Accident Inspection
A post-accident airframe and engine inspection was conducted with no mechanical anomalies noted. The fuel selector was found selected to the right fuel tank.
Aircraft Information
A warning in the fuel systems description section of the manufacturer's approved flight manual states that with 1/4 full or less of fuel in the fuel tanks, prolonged uncoordinated flight (slips or skids) can cause the fuel tank outlets to become uncovered, resulting in fuel starvation and engine stoppage.