Accident Overview
On October 28, 2004, an airplane experienced a loss of engine power while flying at 8,500 feet, approximately 10 to 20 miles north-northwest of Mobile Regional Airport. The pilot radioed the Mobile Control Tower to report the power loss and was cleared to land on runway 14. The airplane subsequently collided with the ground 300 feet short of the runway.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airframe revealed that the engine compartment firewall and forward fuselage were buckled. The crankshaft was manually rotated through 360 degrees, and engine drive-train continuity was established. The right magneto produced an ignition spark to each spark plug ignition lead when rotated.
Fuel System Findings
Inspection of the fuel system showed that both wing fuel tanks were intact. Less than one pint of 100 low lead fuel was recovered from the right wing fuel tank. No other fuel was recovered from the fuel system. No anomalies with the airframe or engine were observed.
Refueling History
According to refueling records, the airplane was last topped off on October 27, 2004. There were no other refueling records from October 28, 2004. The airplane had flown one hour on October 28, 2004, before the accident flight and was not refueled before that flight.