Incident Overview
The airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing that occurred following a loss of engine power. According to the pilot's account, the engine began losing power approximately six miles from the intended destination, rendering it impossible to maintain altitude. The pilot subsequently set up for a forced landing on a road.
Approach and Impact
During the approach, the pilot maneuvered to avoid a ditch adjacent to the road. He reported that the controls became unresponsive, described as "sloppy," leading to a stall approximately 15 feet from the road surface. The right wing dipped and impacted a cornfield, causing the aircraft to nose over.
Fuel Analysis and Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he departed with full fuel, totaling 216 gallons, for a flight duration of approximately two and a half hours. He expected a fuel burn rate of 68 to 70 gallons per hour (gph) at 162 knots. At the time of the power loss, the fuel gauges indicated one-quarter of capacity remained in the left tank and one-eighth in the right tank.
The pilot reported that after the initial loss of power, the engine regained partial power for short periods. He did not suspect an engine mechanical failure and believed the cause was fuel starvation.
Manufacturer Data
The airplane manufacturer confirmed that the total fuel capacity for this make and model is 216 gallons, with a maximum useable fuel amount of 210 gallons. Under normal cruise conditions at 155 knots, expected fuel consumption is approximately 70 to 75 gph. At high cruise speeds, consumption is expected to be between 83 and 84 gph.