Event Description
During an initial descent for a practice instrument approach procedure, the pilot selected the right fuel tank. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The pilot performed a procedure turn to align with the instrument approach. While turning inbound onto the final approach course, the engine lost power. The airplane was at 2,300 feet mean sea level, approximately 1,600 feet above ground level, when the power loss occurred. The pilot switched back to the left fuel tank, but the engine did not respond. Subsequently, the pilot executed a forced landing onto Interstate Highway 55. During the landing rollout, the right wing impacted a mile-marker signpost.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident investigation revealed that the left and right fuel tanks were approximately 1/8 and 1/2 full, respectively. A post-accident engine test run was conducted and no anomalies were encountered. The engine started without hesitation and responded to throttle inputs. It ran without difficulty on each fuel tank for a period of four minutes, on each magneto individually, and with the electric fuel pump turned off.