Event Details
The airplane lost engine power during the takeoff initial climb. The pilot described the power loss as smooth, without vibration or roughness. With insufficient runway remaining, he set up for a landing on a street. During the approach, the engine power returned. He then attempted to turn back to the runway, but the engine quit again. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane in a parking lot, where the left wing struck a light pole.
Preflight Fuel Status
Prior to the accident flight, the airplane had been fueled to the tabs (34 usable gallons) and flown for 2.4 hours by another individual. After that flight, the airplane was rented to the accident pilot. The operator's policy was to fuel their airplanes to the tabs after each flight. The accident pilot reported visually checking the fuel during his preflight and observing that it was "at or slightly below the tabs." He also noted that the fuel gauge readings appeared consistent with his visual observations. An airplane fueler reported that he asked the pilot if he needed fuel, and the pilot responded that he was "good" and did not need any.
Flight and Fuel Management
The pilot departed and switched fuel tank positions every half hour during the flight. The airplane was flown for 2.3 hours from the start of the accident flight until engine power was lost. Post-accident documentation found the fuel selector in the left tank position. Three gallons of fuel were found in the right wing tank, and zero gallons were found in the left wing tank. There was no evidence of fuel leakage or staining on the asphalt under the airplane.
Fuel Consumption Analysis
The airplane had been flown for a total of 4.7 hours after being fueled to the tabs. It burns 6.6 gallons per hour (gph) at 55 percent power. At this power setting, the calculated fuel burn for the two combined flights was 31 gallons, leaving 3 gallons remaining in the tanks. These calculations were based on cruise performance only.