Accident Summary
The airplane impacted an embankment following a reported loss of engine power while on approach. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Witness Observations
A witness reported that the pilot of N8271D announced he was about 10 miles south of the airport and inbound for runway 26. He replied that he would join the traffic pattern for a right downwind and follow the witness's aircraft. The pilot of 71D continued to make radio calls announcing his progress. While waiting at the end of the taxiway for 71D to land, the witness saw the landing lights as 71D turned to final. Suddenly the lights disappeared. It appeared to the witness that 71D was at an unusually steep descent angle. The witness stated that the pilot said over the headset that the airplane lost engine power and that the airplane was in a turn during the reported power loss.
Investigation Findings
On-scene investigation revealed that the left and right auxiliary fuel tanks contained a fluid that exhibited a smell consistent with aviation gasoline. The left and right main fuel tanks did not contain any fluids. Flight control continuity and engine control continuity were established. The fuel tank selector was found in the detent selecting the left main tank. Air pressure was applied to the fuel supply line and air was heard escaping in the left main fuel tank. Inspection of the left main fuel tank revealed no anomalies. Battery power was applied to the electric fuel pump with the fuel selector selecting the left main tank and no fluids were observed exiting the fuel supply line to the engine driven fuel pump. The fuel selector was then rotated to the detent for the auxiliary tank, battery power was applied to the electric fuel pump, and a fluid consistent with avgas exited from the same supply line.
Engine Examination
The engine's crankshaft propeller flange had separated from the crankshaft and remained attached to the propeller. A propeller flange was welded to the engine's crankshaft and the engine was test run with no anomalies detected.