Accident Summary
During a nighttime approach to Oakland Airport, the airplane experienced a left engine failure while on final approach. The pilot lost control of the aircraft, which descended, struck wires and poles, and impacted the ground short of the runway. The pilot, who was the only person aboard, was killed.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was determined to be an engine failure on final approach that occurred after the pilot attempted to operate the aircraft with known deficiencies in equipment.
Contributing Factors
The investigation reported several contributing factors: mismanagement of fuel, fuel starvation, high obstructions in the flight path, the left engine boost pump having been written up as inoperative, and the fuel gauge readings showing the left tank at half and the right tank empty, with the fuel crossfeed switch in the ON position.