Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, while on short final, the engine lost all power. The pilot switched fuel tanks and activated the fuel boost pump; however, engine power was not restored. The airplane subsequently touched down about 100 ft short of the runway approach threshold and nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and vertical stabilizer. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left fuel tank was empty, and the right fuel tank was full; no anomalies were discovered with the fuel selector. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The operator stated that the accident could have been prevented with the proper use of the prelanding checklist.