Accident Narrative
The pilot reported completing a pre-flight inspection and visually checking both fuel tanks, which appeared full. He subsequently departed with the fuel selector positioned to the left tank. Approximately 35 minutes into the flight, during a climb-out, the engine began to sputter. The pilot pumped the throttle, which resulted in a momentary gain in engine power, followed by a complete loss of power. He then instructed the passenger to switch the fuel selector from the left tank to the right tank. However, the airplane descended rapidly and came to rest in trees.
Witness Observations
Several witnesses stated that the airplane had been flown for 1 hour and 20 minutes prior to this accident flight. During that previous flight, the fuel selector had been positioned to the left tank, and the airplane was not refueled before the accident flight.
Examination Findings
An examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that approximately 1 quart of fuel remained in the left tank, while a substantial amount of fuel remained in the right tank.