Incident
On November 18, 2009, at approximately 1130 mountain standard time, a Navion G airplane, registration N2493T, was substantially damaged during a forced landing. The event occurred following a complete loss of engine power while the aircraft was on final approach to Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), Montrose, Colorado. The pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries.
Flight Details
The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The local flight originated from MTJ around 1040.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, prior to departure he performed a visual inspection and estimated the airplane contained 12 to 14 gallons of fuel. Approximately 35 minutes after takeoff, while on final approach to land, the engine lost complete power. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot elected to land on a residential street. Shortly before touchdown, the airplane impacted a tree and subsequently the street. The airplane came to rest in an upright position approximately 180 degrees opposite the direction of travel.
Damage and Examination
The airplane’s fuselage and left wing sustained structural damage. Following the accident, an examination revealed that the airplane's non-compromised fuel tanks contained approximately one and a half quarts of a blue liquid consistent with 100LL aviation fuel. No other pre-impact anomalies were noted that would have prevented the engine from producing power.