What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the engine of the aircraft began to sputter and lose power. The pilot attempted to restore power to the engine, but these efforts were unsuccessful. After declaring an emergency, the pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane collided with a house.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed that there was no fuel remaining in either the right or left main fuel tanks. Approximately five gallons of fuel were found in the left tip tank. During the collision sequence, the right tip tank separated from the aircraft. Investigators noted that there was no browning of grass or visible remnants of fuel at the location where the right tip tank came to rest. Furthermore, no fuel was present in the fuel lines leading from the right tip tank to the engine. Testing confirmed that the engine was capable of running successfully.
Findings
According to the pilot, the aircraft had departed with 14 gallons of fuel in the right tip tank.