Introduction
A single-engine aircraft performing a parachute operation experienced an engine power loss during the return leg of the flight, leading to a forced landing that ended with a collision with a tree and a house. The accident occurred after a routine takeoff and climb, with no reported mechanical issues found during the subsequent examination.
Flight Details
The pilot conducted a pre-flight fuel check using a wooden stick and estimated that 21 gallons of fuel were onboard for the parachute flight. The takeoff and climb to 10,000 feet mean sea level (msl) were normal, and the parachutists were released without incident. The return to the airport proceeded normally until the aircraft entered the turn to the base leg of the traffic pattern.
Accident Sequence
While executing the turn to base leg, the engine lost power. The pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane struck a tree and then a house. The extent of damage to the aircraft and property was not specified beyond the collision.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed that approximately 3 gallons of aviation fuel were recovered from the fuel system. The aircraft's Type Certificate Data Sheet contains an annotation that 10 gallons of the total fuel capacity is unusable. Inspection of the engine assembly, engine accessories, and airframe fuel system showed no evidence of pre-crash mechanical failure or malfunction.