Flight and Power Loss
The pilot reported that he taxied his airplane from one hangar to another before deciding to take the airplane for a quick flight. He flew around the local area and returned to the airport after approximately 15 minutes. While on a left downwind for runway 27, with the before landing checklist completed—landing gear extended and flaps lowered to 20 degrees—the engine quit producing power. The pilot turned on the electric fuel pump and the high boost pump, then made a left turn toward the runway. He kept the high boost pump engaged until landing and attempted to restart the engine by opening the throttle and applying a full rich mixture, but the engine did not restart.
Forced Landing Attempt
Observing the fuel quantity gauges, the pilot noted that both the right and left fuel tank needles were above the red warning area. Realizing the airplane would not reach the airport, he identified a suitable landing site. He maneuvered the airplane over power lines and houses and lowered the nose to gain airspeed. During the flare, the nose landing gear contacted the ground before the main gear. Subsequently, the nose gear and main gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest approximately 150 to 200 feet from the initial touchdown point after impacting a fence and a mailbox.
Post-Accident Fuel Inspection
Following the accident, inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration Reno Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) examined the airplane at the accident site. According to the FSDO inspectors, approximately 1/2 inch of fuel or less remained in the left wing when it was placed in a level position, with slightly more in the right fuel tank. Recovery personnel drained 3 gallons of fuel from the left tank and 5 gallons from the right, though some fuel had spilled during the recovery process. The pilot could not remember which fuel tank was selected at the time of the engine power loss. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failures, and post-accident inspections revealed no mechanical irregularities. The pilot added that he had last refueled the airplane in May 2006, about a month prior to the accident, in Ely, Nevada, before flying back to Carson City.