What happened
During a flight intended to observe construction progress and perform a post-maintenance test flight, the pilot of a Cessna (type not specified) experienced a loss of engine power on final approach. The flight began with the pilot maneuvering around a construction site at 6,500 feet MSL. After performing two touch-and-go operations, the pilot transitioned to a full-stop landing attempt.
Following a wind shift that changed the runway direction, the pilot climbed to 5,500 feet MSL and trailed a slower aircraft. While on final approach at 80 knots with 20 degrees of flaps extended, the pilot reduced power and noted the aircraft was sinking. Upon attempting to apply power to maintain the glide path, the engine failed to respond. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot by switching between the left and right fuel tanks and advancing the throttle to full, but the engine remained unresponsive. The pilot prepared for an off-airport forced landing and struck a chain-link fence with the nose landing gear during the flare.
The investigation
Investigators examined the fuel remaining in the aircraft's tanks. A sheriff's deputy on the scene noted the absence of liquid sound when moving the wings, suggesting the tanks were empty, though a small trickle of fuel was observed near the wing roots. An FAA principal maintenance inspector recovered 7.5 gallons of fuel from the right tank and 1.5 gallons from the left tank.
While the pilot's written statement indicated 18 gallons were in the left tank and 12 gallons were in the right tank at the start of the flight, the total recovered amount was only 9 gallons. Based on manufacturer data, each wing holds 32.5 gallons with 5 gallons unusable. At a cruise setting of 2,450 RPM, the fuel burn is approximately 14.2 gallons per hour.