Event Summary
A pilot was towing a banner along a beach when the engine gradually lost power. The pilot applied carburetor heat, but it had no effect. A forced landing was initiated on the beach. During the landing roll, the airplane struck a person before nosing over into the surf.
Damage
The engine mount, right wing, and right rear lift strut sustained substantial damage.
Examination Findings
Postaccident examination at the site revealed that the fuel selector valve was in the left tank position. Inside the cockpit, no fuel was visible in the left fuel tank sight gauge. The right wing filler cap was removed, and fuel was observed in the right tank. Fuel drained from the sump at the rear of the right tank, but nothing drained from the sump at the rear of the left tank. No fuel drained from the gascolator on the firewall.
Operator Report
The operator reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.