Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a forced landing, and his inadequate preflight which resulted in fuel exhaustion and power loss.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane impacted the terrain after failing to successfully complete an off-airport landing following an in-flight engine failure. On-scene investigation found no fuel in the fuel tanks, and no odor of fuel. The previous evening, after refueling the tanks, the aircraft was left parked on an inclined ramp. As warned by a service letter issued in 1969, the aircraft lost fuel resulting from a cross-feed condition into the lower wing fuel bay when the selector valve is in the 'both on' position. This cross-feed condition can result in overfilling of the lower wing tank and cause fuel to drip from the lower wing tip vent.
Source record
Factual narrative
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