Accident Narrative
The airplane collided with a fence during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. According to the pilot, the flight began with the left fuel tank selected for start-up, taxi, and takeoff. After reaching a cruise altitude of 8,500 feet, approximately 45 minutes into the flight, the pilot switched to the right fuel tank. When the right fuel gauge indicated zero, the pilot returned to the left fuel tank while executing stair-step descents toward the final destination.
About 4 miles north of the accident location and 18 miles south of the destination, the engine began sputtering. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the right tank and activated the electric fuel pump. The engine resumed normal operation, but the left tank fuel indicator showed over 5 gallons, while the right tank indicated zero. The pilot reversed course toward an airport that had just been overflown, intending to land on runway 11.
Due to a departing airplane on runway 29, the pilot altered the approach to land on runway 29 and entered the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. As the airplane entered downwind, the engine sputtered again and then lost power. The pilot attempted to land on runway 29, making s-turns to reduce excessive altitude. Prior to touchdown, two notches of flaps were extended. After touchdown, the pilot applied brakes, but the airplane overran the runway, went through a fence, and came to rest on a golf course.
Post-Accident Examination
The airport manager responded to the accident site immediately and found no fuel in the fuel tanks or on the ground. Approximately 1 ounce of clean fuel was discovered in the gascolator. A calculation using the fuel flow for 75 percent best power from the aircraft flight manual's performance charts, based on the trip elapsed time including takeoff and climb allowances, yielded a total fuel consumption of 49.25 gallons. The airplane's usable fuel capacity is 48 gallons.
Probable Cause
The investigation report did not assign a probable cause.