Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot selected an empty fuel tank during the approach which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor associated with the accident were the trees that the airplane contacted during the forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The airplane collided with trees and the terrain following a loss of engine power during an instrument landing system (ILS) approach. The pilot reported he switched fuel tanks from the right tank to the left tank during the approach. He then noticed a decrease in airspeed and no fuel flow indication on the fuel flow gauge. He then switched back to the right fuel tank. He stated he broke out of the clouds at 400 feet. He stated he made a turn to line up with a field and the airplane contacted tree tops. The pilot reported the airplane contacted the ground as he continued to line up with the field. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed the left fuel tank was empty and the right fuel tank contained approximately 19 gallons of fuel.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI06CA118