Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper selection of the mixture control, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and a collision with the airport boundary fence during a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while on short final during a normal approach, he accidently pulled the engine mixture control to idle-cutoff and the engine shut down. He was unable to restart the engine and landed short of the runway. The airplane then impacted the airport boundary fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.