Incident Overview
The pilot of an airplane reported that prior to departure, the fuel tanks were "topped off with fuel." However, after being distracted, a second walk-around of the aircraft was not properly conducted. Approximately one hour into the flight, the engine lost power, forcing the pilot to maneuver for an emergency landing.
Emergency Landing
During the emergency landing, the pilot initially aimed for an interstate highway but aborted the approach due to heavy traffic. The pilot then turned toward a landfill, where the aircraft impacted terrain. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Discovery of Missing Fuel Cap
After the impact, the passenger received a telephone call from the departure airport's fuel service attendant, who reported that the airplane's left fuel cap had been found on the airport ramp. A post-accident examination conducted by the pilot confirmed that the left fuel cap was missing.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.