Flight Details
The pilot, an airline transport pilot, was conducting a personal cross-country flight under 14 CFR Part 91. Approximately 20 miles from the final destination, the engine lost power. The pilot reported that the symptoms were similar to fuel starvation, although his calculations indicated 30 minutes of fuel remaining at the time of the event.
Post-Accident Observations
In a written statement to the NTSB, the pilot noted that the morning after the accident, before the airplane was recovered, he observed a substantial amount of frost and ice buildup around the left fuel vent, as well as on the ground from fuel venting that occurred throughout the night. The pilot expressed his opinion that this indicated a fair amount of water in the fuel, which caused the ice buildup. He also stated that although he believed he had properly drained the fuel tanks prior to takeoff, it appeared that water remained trapped in the tanks.
Engine Examination
After the airplane was recovered, the engine was prepared at an aircraft maintenance facility with a new propeller and clean fuel. The engine was started and operated through a variety of power settings without any evidence of mechanical malfunction. The pilot reported that no known mechanical anomalies existed with the airplane prior to the accident.
Damage
During the forced landing, the landing gear was torn off, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage.