Summary
On May 16, 2015, about 1020 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N7099R) was substantially damaged during a forced landing on a residential street near Gillespie Field in El Cajon, California, following a loss of engine power. The private pilot and sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 with an active VFR flight plan. The flight departed Tucson International Airport (TUS) about 0640 mountain standard time, destined for Montgomery Field (MYF) in San Diego.
Accident Details
The pilot reported departing with 40 gallons of fuel and planning for a 5-hour endurance at 8 gallons per hour. About 4 hours 40 minutes after takeoff, while approaching San Diego County, Southern California Approach Control instructed the pilot to remain below an overcast and maintain VFR. Shortly thereafter, the engine rpm dropped to 1,700, then fluctuated between 1,200 and 1,700 rpm. The pilot applied carburetor heat, checked the fuel level and selector, turned on the boost pump, and notified ATC. After checking ignition, throttle, and fuses, the pilot realized insufficient power to reach Gillespie Field and executed a forced landing on a residential street. During the landing, the airplane collided with a pickup truck and traffic cones, damaging both wings. The pilot could not recall if the engine was idling or had failed completely. The driver of the truck (a non-current pilot) reported seeing no propeller rotation.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination by an FAA inspector revealed that with the battery on, the left fuel tank indicated between zero and five gallons, the right tank indicated zero, the fuel selector was on the left tank, and the carburetor heat lever was in the "HOT" position. No evidence of fire, fuel or oil leaks, or other anomalies was found; oil level was 6 quarts.
On May 21, 2015, an engine and fuel system examination was performed under NTSB supervision. The airplane had no fuel on board (fuel had been drained at the accident site). The carburetor and fuel gascolator screen were dry. The fuel selector operated normally. With 5 gallons of fuel added to each tank, the engine started readily, oil pressure reached 60-70 psi, fuel pressure was 6 psi, magneto drop was 75 rpm each, and charging voltage was 13.7 volts. With the fuel selector set to OFF, the engine ran for 1 minute 39 seconds before quitting from each tank. The mechanic concluded no discrepancies were found that would preclude normal operation.