Event Overview
A single-engine airplane experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot attempted a forced landing at an uncontrolled airport but was unable to reach the runway, resulting in the airplane impacting several objects in a residential area approximately 2,000 feet from the airport.
Flight Details
The flight was planned for 310 nautical miles. The pilot reported that during preflight, he visually checked the fuel levels and saw both tanks were near the top. He calculated his time en route based on a no-wind condition as 2.58 hours, with 38 gallons of fuel and an estimated fuel burn of 8 gallons per hour. Prior to departure, he checked weather and anticipated headwinds of 10 to 15 knots. According to the pilot, two legs of the flight were longer than planned by a total of 35 minutes, leading him to become concerned about the fuel state. He briefly considered a fuel stop short of the destination.
Power Loss and Forced Landing
During descent to the destination airport, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the right fuel tank. The engine then lost power. After switching to the left tank, the engine briefly restarted but subsequently lost power again. The pilot initiated a forced landing to an uncontrolled airport but determined that the airplane lacked sufficient altitude to reach the runway, resulting in a landing in a residential area short of the airport.
Post-Accident Observations
A deputy who responded to the accident site noted the absence of any fuel smell around the airplane. Examination revealed that the left wing fuel tank was empty. The right wing had separated from the fuselage during the accident sequence. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane or engine.