Accident Sequence
The flight was being vectored for an ILS 18L approach when the pilot reported a loss of engine power approximately 7 miles from the airport at an altitude of about 2,000 feet MSL. The pilot stated that he switched main fuel tanks and performed the loss of power procedures outlined in the Pilot's Operating Handbook, but his attempts to restore engine power were unsuccessful. Subsequently, the pilot performed an off-airport landing with the gear retracted; the airplane collided with the ground and slid to a stop.
Fuel Examination
Examination of the fuel system revealed that the left main fuel tank and left tip tank were empty with no evidence of fuel leakage. Approximately 36 gallons of fuel was recovered from the right main fuel tank. The right tip tank was empty with no evidence of fuel leakage. The fuel selector handle was positioned to the right tank.
Engine Examination and Test Run
Examination of the engine revealed continuity from the cockpit throttle and mixture controls to the fuel servo. The exhaust pipe was crushed. Examination of the top spark plugs showed no evidence of abnormal wear or deposits. In preparation for a test run, the damaged propeller was removed and a Hartzell three-bladed club prop was installed. A three-inch by three-inch hole was cut in the exhaust pipe above the crushed area to facilitate exhaust flow, and the air inlet was cleared of mud. A portable fuel tank was connected to the supply fitting at the right wing root, and the fuel recovered from the right wing tank was used for the test run. An engine start was accomplished using the cockpit controls; the engine started within four to five seconds and ran smoothly. The engine idled smoothly at 700 to 750 rpm and operated smoothly up to 1900 rpm; higher rpms were not attempted. A magneto check at 1900 rpm showed a drop of 75 rpm for each magneto.