What happened
During the landing phase, the pilot overflew the runway and began a turn on the downwind leg when the engine lost power. In an attempt to restore power, the pilot switched fuel tanks and activated the boost pump, but these actions were unsuccessful. The aircraft continued on the downwind leg before turning base and final close to the airport.
The Cessna (type not specified in source) touched down mid-field on a 2,300-foot long turf runway at speeds between 75 and 80 mph. The pilot was unable to stop the aircraft on the runway surface. Consequently, the airplane continued beyond the departure end of the runway, where it struck a gravel pile and scrap metal. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the right wing tank had ruptured, with evidence of a fuel spill. Investigators found trace amounts of fuel within the carburetor and the fuel line leading to it. While the left wing tank remained intact and contained slightly over one gallon of fuel, the right tank's integrity was compromised. When electrical power was applied and the boost pump was engaged, fuel flowed to the carburetor. No obstructions were identified in the fuel lines.
Prior to the accident flight, the pilot had flown the aircraft earlier that morning. During that preflight inspection, the outboard tanks were empty, the right inboard tank was full, and the left inboard tank contained approximately 18 gallons. The pilot reported flying for approximately 35 to 40 minutes on the left tank before conducting the accident flight, which was also flown using the left tank. Notably, the pilot did not visually check the fuel tanks prior to departure for the accident flight.