What happened
On September 10, 2011, at approximately 1315 central daylight time, a Fairchild M-6all-3, registration N103JC, experienced a total loss of engine power while performing an airshow fly-by at Waukegan Regional Airport (UGN) in Waukegan, Illinois. The aircraft, operated by the Commemorative Air Force, was flying in visual meteorological conditions with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 060 degrees at 3 knots.
The flight originated from Wauksha Country Airport (UES) in Wisconsin. During the initial flight leg, the pilot used the right fuel tank, which indicated 3/4 full upon shutdown. Prior to the second flight for the airshow fly-by, a preflight inspection was performed, and the pilot noted the right fuel tank gauge indicated 3/4 full and the left gauge indicated 1/4 full. The pilot continued using the right fuel tank for the second flight.
While transitioning from the downwind to the base leg for runway 5 at approximately 500 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power. The pilot established a best glide speed and attempted to turn toward the runway; however, due to the presence of other aircraft on short final for the runway, an airport landing was not possible. The pilot subsequently performed an off-airport landing in a field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage, and the pilot sustained one minor injury.
The investigation
Mechanical examination of the aircraft revealed that no usable fuel remained in the right fuel tank. The fuel screen from the gascolator at the firewall was clean and contained no fuel or foreign material. While the engine-driven fuel pump was able to prime and draw fuel from a bucket, the screen at the base of the carburetor contained no fuel, and no fuel drained from that screen. The accelerator pump cavity was also found to be empty. In total, approximately 1 pint of fuel was removed from the aircraft.