Accident Overview
The airplane collided with terrain approximately 100 yards from the airport boundary fence at the approach end of runway 19. The landing gear was down, and the flaps were in the full down position. The fuel selector valve was positioned on the left main tank.
Preceding Flight
One of the airplane's owners completed a 1.4-hour flight with a certified flight instructor (CFI) immediately before the accident flight. The owner started with 30 gallons in each main tank and 6 gallons in each tip tank. He reported burning fuel out of the left main tank during the flight at a rate of about 13 gallons per hour, and left the fuel selector valve on the left main tank.
Post-Flight Observations
After the owner's flight with the CFI, the owner observed the pilot under instruction and the CFI perform a walk-around inspection of the airplane. He did not see them refuel the aircraft. Following a ground briefing, they conducted a run-up lasting 15 to 20 minutes before taking off.
Estimated Fuel Consumption
Based on the airplane's performance charts, the estimated time from the departure point to the accident site was 30 minutes. Using the owner's historical fuel consumption data, the estimated minimum fuel consumed on the accident flight would have been 7 gallons, in addition to the estimated 19 gallons used by the owner on the previous flight.
Wreckage and Damage
The left wing did not burn; however, the left main tank had been compromised in the impact sequence. Fire consumed the right wing and its associated fuel tanks. The propeller exhibited minimal damage, which was consistent with either no power or idle power at the time of ground impact. The airplane had a single throw-over control yoke, which was positioned to the left side.
Mechanical Examination
No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified during the wreckage examination.