Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed while maneuvering during a forced landing, resulting in an in-flight loss of control (stall), and subsequent collision with terrain. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power in flight due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
A witness observed the airplane flying westbound at about 100 feet agl with the engine sputtering. The airplane was observed to make a steep turn to the left estimated at a 45 degree angle of bank. During the turn the engine quit and the turn was stopped. The airplane was observed to make another steep turn to the left, when the nose of the airplane pitched down and the airplane collided with the terrain in a nose down attitude. Examination of the airplane by the FAA revealed the fuel tanks were not ruptured, and no fuel was present in the left or right fuel tank.
Source record
Factual narrative
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