Accident Sequence
A witness observed the airplane flying at an approximate altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level (agl) with its landing gear and flaps extended while on a downwind leg to land at an adjacent airport. When the airplane was abeam the north end of the runway, it began to descend below 500 feet agl in a northerly direction. The airplane then made a descending right turn toward a southerly heading. Subsequently, the witness observed the right wing impact the ground. Within seconds after the airplane came to rest, it was engulfed in flames.
Post-Accident Examination
The right main fuel tank was ruptured and destroyed by fire. The right auxiliary tank contained residual fuel that was blue in color; the fuel cap was secure, and the finger strainer was free of debris. The left main fuel tank contained approximately 3/4-inch of blue fuel. The left auxiliary tank contained approximately two inches of blue fuel; the fuel cap was secure, and the finger strainer was free of debris. The fuel selector was found in the "auxiliary" fuel tanks position. The fuel screen in the fuel selector was clear of debris and installed with the cone upward.
An engine examination was performed under the supervision of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) at a nearby maintenance facility. The engine was rotated by hand at the crankshaft; valve train continuity and piston movement were verified on all six cylinders. No defects or anomalies were found with the engine that could have precluded normal engine operation. The fuel pump was removed and did not contain any fuel; the fuel screen was free of debris.
Checklist Review
A review of the before landing checklist in the airplane flight manual revealed that, prior to landing, the fuel selector must be positioned to the "MAIN TANK MORE NEARLY FULL."