Accident Sequence
The airplane was owned by the pilot and departed from his home airport without incident. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, witnesses observed the airplane descending toward a field.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses reported that they did not hear any engine noise and that the propeller was not turning, or was turning "very slowly." The airplane's left wing then struck a tree, after which the airplane rolled and "nose dived" to the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Both fuel tanks remained intact. A total of approximately 2 to 2.5 gallons of yellow-colored fuel was drained from both fuel tanks. A placard for automotive gasoline was observed near the fuel tank caps.
Fuel System Findings
The gascolator was drained and found to contain sediment and water. Additionally, the carburetor contained about one ounce of fuel with some sediment and water. The time and quantity of the airplane's last refueling could not be determined.
According to the owner's manual, the total fuel capacity was 39 gallons, with a total usable fuel in all flight conditions of 36 gallons. Two additional gallons of fuel were usable in level flight, and one gallon of fuel was unusable.
Review of maintenance records revealed that the airplane's most recent inspection was a 100-hour inspection that was performed about 22 months prior to the accident. The airplane had been operated about 65 hours since that inspection.