Accident Overview
A single-engine airplane, piloted by a pilot with approximately 40,000 hours of flight experience, impacted heavily wooded terrain about one-quarter mile short of the approach end of a municipal airport runway. The aircraft had departed from a private airstrip earlier that day with about 15 gallons of fuel on board.
Witness Account
A person in the vicinity of the accident site observed an airplane flying toward the airport at an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level and reported that the "engine was not running." The witness watched the airplane fly over a tree line and disappear but did not hear any impact noise. No radio transmissions were heard from the accident airplane, and a friend of the pilot indicated that the airplane's radio was inoperative.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no pre-impact mechanical anomalies. The fuel tanks in both wings were not breached. When the airplane was leveled, approximately 1.5 gallons of clear automotive gasoline was drained from the tanks. There was no apparent odor of fuel when the investigation team first examined the wreckage. The wing-mounted, vented fuel caps were found secured. The fuel level transmitters from each tank were removed; the float arms moved smoothly and were not restricted. When power was applied, the transmitters moved through their full range of motion and provided valid indications on both fuel level gauges. The fuel selector handle was found in the "Both" position. The fuel screen was removed and found to be clean and free of debris.
According to manufacturer documentation, the total fuel capacity of the airplane was 39 gallons (both tanks), of which 3 gallons (1.5 per tank) were not usable. The total fuel found on board at the accident site was approximately 1.5 gallons. The total flight time from the pilot's last refueling of 15 gallons could not be determined.
Pilot Injuries and Restraints
The basic shape and volume of the cabin were not altered during the crash. The pilot's seat was found intact except for the forward inboard roller assembly, which remained attached to the seat rail within the cabin. The pilot's lap belt was intact. Shoulder harnesses were not installed, and according to FAA regulations, they were not required in the 1965 model year airplane. The pilot sustained head and chest injuries during the impact.