Accident Sequence
According to a witness who was also a contract pilot for the same survey company, the accident pilot reported that his airplane's engine began running rough. About 20 seconds later, a mayday call was heard, in which the accident pilot stated that the engine had ceased operating and he was going down. The witness first observed the accident airplane at approximately 800 feet altitude, as the pilot diverted toward an open field and set up for a left downwind leg. The witness then saw the pilot execute a tight turn to avoid power lines, after which the airplane struck the ground in a left spin, nose down, and came to an abrupt stop.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector reported that shortly after the accident, the airplane was defueled to prevent a safety hazard. Approximately 10 to 15 gallons of fuel were removed from the right wing, while no fuel was found in the left wing. The fuel selector was found in the left tank position, and there was no evidence of significant fuel spillage at the scene. Technical representatives from Cessna Aircraft Company and Textron Lycoming Engines, under FAA oversight, conducted detailed examinations of the airplane and its systems. The investigation confirmed that the fuel selector valve had been set to the left position. No preaccident anomalies were noted with the airplane or its systems.
The pilot stated that he had no recollection of the accident.