Incident
A pilot reported being at cruise flight at 8,000 feet when Atlanta Approach Control directed him to descend and maintain 6,000 feet. As the airplane passed through 6,500 feet, the engine began running roughly and then stopped. The pilot immediately switched fuel tanks and manipulated the manifold pressure and mixture controls in an attempt to restart the engine. He executed a forced landing on Interstate 75. During the landing, the left wing tip struck a guardrail.
Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found the left fuel tank empty. The right fuel tank contained approximately 33 gallons of fuel. No evidence of a fuel system leak was noted. The airplane was recovered to Macon Downtown Airport.
Engine Test
At the airport, an engine start was performed following the procedures outlined in the Pilot's Operating Handbook. The engine started using the airplane's fuel and battery power. It idled at 700 to 750 rpm and operated smoothly up to 1,200 rpm; higher rpm was not attempted. The engine was then shut down. Twelve gallons of fuel were transferred from the right tank to the left tank. A second start was conducted with the fuel selector on the left tank. The engine started and idled at 700 to 750 rpm, operating up to 1,200 rpm. During this run, the boost pump was turned off and on, and the engine continued to run smoothly.
Pilot's Operating Handbook
A review of the Raytheon Aircraft Beech A36 Pilot's Operating Handbook, Section III: Emergency Procedures, Engine Failure, In Flight, specifies the following steps: "1. Fuel Selector Valve - SELECT OTHER TANK (feel for detent), 2. Magneto/Start Switch - CHECK BOTH, 3. Auxiliary Fuel Pump - HI, 4. Mixture Control - FULL RICH, then LEAN AS REQUIRED."