Accident Details
The airplane experienced a loss of engine power after nearly four hours of flight, leading to a forced landing on a city street. Unable to reach an airport, the pilot attempted to land on the street. During the landing, the airplane collided with three automobiles.
The collision caused the right wing to separate from the fuselage, and the fuel tank ruptured. An FAA inspector observed that no fuel was present in the tank remnants or in any spillage in the vicinity. In contrast, the left wing remained intact and contained approximately 10 gallons of fuel.
Post-Accident Examination
Under FAA supervision, a maintenance technician examined the engine. The technician connected a 5-gallon gas can to the airplane's fuel system. After energizing the electric fuel pump, the fuel pressure gauge indicated 5 psi. The engine was started within three revolutions of the propeller and allowed to reach operating temperature.
The technician ran the engine up to 1,800 rpm and performed a magneto check: both magnetos dropped approximately 70 rpm. The engine was then reduced to idle, where it stabilized at 850 rpm. Acceleration from idle to maximum power was checked three times; each time the engine accelerated normally without hesitation or stalling. During shutdown, the idle rpm rise was normal.