Forced Landing
The airplane experienced a loss of engine power and executed a forced landing to a municipal park. The landing resulted in substantial damage following impact with trees during rollout.
Flight and Power Loss Details
The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection, the left fuel tank contained 30 gallons and the right tank contained 18 gallons. He noted that the planned flight duration was 58 minutes and that the total fuel on board was sufficient for 3 hours. Approximately 58 minutes after departure, while about 4 miles north of the Lake in the Hills Airport (3CK), the engine began to run roughly and then ceased operation. The pilot performed restart procedures: he applied carburetor heat, switched the fuel selector from the "Both" position to "Left," enriched the mixture, checked the magnetos, and attempted to restart the engine. These efforts were unsuccessful.
Glide and Landing
After establishing the best glide speed, the pilot turned toward 3CK but determined that the airplane was too low to reach the airport. He executed a forced landing to a park that contained playing fields. During the landing rollout, the airplane struck a row of pine trees at the eastern edge of the soccer fields. The airplane remained upright and came to rest in a normal attitude.
Post-Accident Inspection
Examination of the airplane revealed that the left wing fuel cap was missing and the left fuel tank was empty. Fuel stains were present on the top left wing sheet metal, the left flap, and the left rear horizontal stabilizer, trailing from the left fuel tank filler opening. No fuel was detected on the ground beneath the left wing, and no odor of fuel was noted. A search of the surrounding area for the missing fuel cap was conducted but did not locate it.
The right wing was found separated from the fuselage. The right fuel tank cap was still installed, but the right fuel tank was also empty. No fuel stains were observed on the top right wing surface, right flap, or right horizontal stabilizer. There was no sign of spilled fuel on the ground beneath the right wing, and no fuel odor was present.
An inspection of the engine found that continuity was maintained.