Accident Sequence
After approximately one hour of flight, the pilot contacted the air traffic control tower and was cleared to land. About two minutes later, the pilot reported a loss of engine power and that he was "looking for a good spot to land."
Witness Observations
Several witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude and descending. Some witnesses reported no unusual sounds from the engine, while others described the engine as "running rough," "cutting in-and-out," or "quiet."
Impact and Fire
The aircraft was observed to strike a fence, impact the ground, and subsequently burst into flames.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage, which was extensively damaged during the post-impact fire, revealed no pre-impact mechanical failures.
Fuel Information
According to refueling records, the aircraft was "topped-off" with 32 gallons of 100 low-lead aviation gasoline prior to takeoff. During an interview, the lineman who performed the refueling stated that approximately 42 aircraft were refueled from the same fuel truck, including 14 aircraft after the accident aircraft. He was not aware of any pilots reporting a fuel-related problem. Post-accident fuel samples taken from the fuel truck nozzle, filter, and sump were absent of contaminants.
Environmental Conditions
The accident occurred during night visual meteorological conditions.