Accident Summary
A private pilot was conducting a final approach in a single-engine airplane when the engine ceased producing power shortly after the pilot switched fuel tanks. The pilot was unable to restore engine power and performed a forced landing on a road near the airport.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the firewall near the left engine mount. When battery power was applied, the left fuel gauge indicated that the left fuel tank was empty, while the right fuel tank showed between one-quarter and one-half full. No mechanical deficiencies were identified with the airplane or the engine.
The investigation focused on the fuel system and engine operation. The engine failure occurred immediately after the fuel tank switch, and the remaining fuel distribution suggested that the left tank was depleted. The lack of mechanical issues with the airframe or engine points to fuel starvation as the likely cause of the power loss.
Conclusions
The accident was the result of a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation after switching to an empty fuel tank. The pilot's decision to switch tanks at that point in the approach contributed to the loss of propulsion, but no mechanical failures were involved.