Accident Overview
The airplane struck trees and terrain during an emergency landing after the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The accident occurred on the aircraft's first flight following an annual inspection.
Flight History
During the annual inspection, a cylinder was replaced, a turbocharger leak was repaired, and the right fuel bladder was removed, repaired, and reinstalled. The fuel from the removed bladder was recovered, stored, and later returned to the bladder upon reinstallation. The airplane was also serviced with approximately 67 gallons of 100 low lead aviation gasoline. Prior to the flight, the fuel in the airplane's tanks was reportedly checked by observing samples collected from the fuel sumps. The airplane's battery was low, so external power was used to start the engine.
Radar data replay showed the airplane at 5,000 feet above mean sea level (MSL), traveling eastward at about 170 knots groundspeed when it checked in with approach. Around 1907, the radar data indicated the airplane descending to 4,800 feet and its groundspeed slowing to 160 knots. The air traffic controller issued a descent clearance to 3,000 feet MSL. The pilot responded that he had an emergency, had lost engine power, had switched fuel tanks, and needed the closest airfield. The controller provided a heading of 360 degrees toward an airfield.
Emergency Response
While en route to the airfield, the controller asked if the engine was completely out and if the pilot was gliding into the airport. The pilot confirmed this. Around 1910, the controller pointed out another closer airport. No further response was received from the airplane. The last radar data, recorded at 1910, showed the airplane about 2 miles from the closer airport at 2,000 feet MSL, traveling northbound at about 80 knots groundspeed.
At approximately 1918, the police department received notification of a downed aircraft. The cabin area of the fuselage, the left and right inboard fuel tank sections, and the upper forward section of the empennage were destroyed by a post-impact fire.
Post-Impact Findings
An on-scene investigation and follow-up examinations revealed no pre-impact anomalies. The airplane's track was reviewed in reference to satellite images, which showed that the airplane had overflown open fields prior to impact.