20150801012869A

The mishap aircraft was operating in the pattern on a left downwind for runway 29 at the Watertown Municipal Airport (kryv) when it experienced a power loss, and impacted the trees 1.2 nautical miles southeast of the runway intersection. The weather at the time of the mishap was VFR, clear with 10 miles of visibility and winds 310@6 KTS. The mishap pilot was the only occupant, and he suffered serious injury to his back.

Investigation on scene determined that there was fuel on the aircraft. The right wing fuel tank was compromised by damage caused during impact, and the left wing was positioned vertically with the fuel selector in the both position, allowing fuel to drain via gravity into the damaged wing. Significant fuel was found under the aircraft in the sandy soil. Following the aircraft?s previous flight the FBO verified 19.8 gallons of fuel were put on board.

Flight control continuity was verified on scene. The ELT was installed, but was in the off position and had not been touched by the first responders.

There was no damage or scarring on the propeller, confirming the mishap pilot?s assertion that he lost power. The starter bendix was engaged, indicating not only an attempt at restart, but a slow enough airspeed for the prop not to be windmilling. The electric fuel pump was on. The fuel selector was in the off position, but had been moved there by first responders.

Scarring on the ground and surrounding vegetation indicated a steep descent angle and relatively low airspeed, and would be consistent with the aircraft having impacted in a stalled condition.

Following relocation of the aircraft to the Watertown airport, an airworthiness inspector was able to start the engine, and it ran smoothly.

The mishap pilot had a habit of switching tanks to keep the fuel levels balanced, even though the fuel system is normally operated in "both". He was engaged in this activity during the mishap flight.