Accident Overview
On an instrument instructional flight, the airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power during final approach, necessitating a forced landing. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot and one passenger were uninjured, while the flight instructor received minor injuries and a second passenger suffered serious injuries.
Flight Details
The flight departed at approximately 1300, with the accident occurring at 1612 while on final approach to the intended destination airport. According to the pilot, the flight proceeded normally with a deviation required due to an active Military Operations Area (MOA) en route. Winds aloft were reported as about 10 knots from 9 to 10 o'clock relative to the direct route, adding an estimated 10 to 15 minutes to the flight time.
Engine Failure and Response
On final approach, approximately 1.5 miles from the runway, the pilot stated that the “engine died with no warning.” At the time of the power loss, the fuel selector was positioned to the right main tank. The crew switched to the left tank and activated the auxiliary fuel pump in an unsuccessful attempt to restore engine power.
Post-Accident Fuel Examination
A post-accident inspection recovered one quart of fuel from the right main fuel tank and 3.5 gallons from the left main fuel tank. The fuel tanks did not appear to have been compromised during the accident sequence. The pilot stated that the flight departed with the main tanks topped off (44 gallons usable) and the auxiliary tanks empty. The flight plan filed with the FAA indicated an estimated time en route of 3 hours and total fuel on board of 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Prior Flight and Fuel Planning
The flight immediately preceding the accident was over the same course but in the opposite direction. According to the pilot and the fixed base operator at the departure airport, that prior flight lasted approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, after which the airplane was fueled with 41 gallons. Manufacturer performance data for the aircraft at 7,000 feet pressure altitude indicated fuel burn rates of 12.9 gallons per hour (gph) at 75% power, 11.5 gph at 65% power, and 9.8 gph at 55% power. The prior owner of the accident aircraft stated that he normally planned a fuel burn of 14 gph.