FTW93LA109

During final approach the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The airplane landed short of the runway with the landing gear extended and flaps full down. During the landing the airplane's landing gear collapsed. The airplane had flown for 2 hours on the right tank and the pilot had switched tanks. No mechanical malfunctions were found. There was no fuel found in the fuel lines or associated systems leading to the engine. The right tank contained 1.5 gallons of fuel and the left tank was full, according to the FAA inspector.

On March 20, 1993, at approximately 1330 central standard time, during a forced landing to runway 13 at the Hale County airport, Plainview, Texas, a Bellanca 17-30A airplane, N4045B, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain short of the runway. Minor injuries were sustained by the private pilot and his one passenger. Visual meterological conditions prevailed for the personal cross country flight.

During interviews with pilot and passenger by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the facts in this paragraph were stated. The flight originated from the departure airport earlier that day. During the approach at the destination airport, the propeller was "stationary prior to landing."

Examination of the accident site and airplane by the FAA inspector revealed the following: The fuel selector valve was "frozen" in the left tank position. The left tank was full of fuel. Unusable fuel from the right tank was estimated as one and one half gallons. No anomalies were noted with the auxiliary fuel pump nor the fuel lines to the engine driven fuel pump. Fuel manifold and manifold lines did not contain fuel.