LAX98LA015

The pilot reported that no mechanical malfunctions were experienced during the 30-minute-long nighttime flight in his 1943 model 'Stagger Wing' airplane. During the flight he had switched fuel tanks several times. Upon turning onto the final approach leg at the destination airport the center fuel tank's low fuel pressure warning light activated. Thereafter, the fuel pressure decreased and all engine power was lost. The pilot further reported that he switched tanks and used the wobble pump but to no avail as the airplane developed a high sink rate. The pilot made a forced landing into a plowed field and collided with dirt berms about 1/2 mile short of the runway. During the airframe examination no fuel was found in the two upper wing tanks, the center fuselage tank, or in the lower wing's right tank. Approximately 10 gallons of fuel was observed in the lower wing's left tank. Airplane operating procedures required the pilot to have the fuel selector positioned toward the center fuel tank during takeoffs and landings. The lower wing tanks are only to be used during level flight.

On October 19, 1997, at 1925 hours Pacific daylight time, a Beech D17S, N67736, operated by the pilot, experienced a total loss of engine power approaching runway 26L at the Chino Airport, Chino, California. The pilot made a forced landing in a plowed field and collided with dirt berms about 1/2 mile short of the runway. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the airline transport certificated pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the nighttime personal flight which originated from Carlsbad, California, at 1855.

According to the pilot, upon takeoff the airplane held between 27 and 28 gallons of fuel. The fuel consumption rate was about 21 gallons per hour. While en route he had switched fuel tanks several times, and no mechanical malfunctions were experienced.

The pilot reported that approaching the destination airport he had again switched fuel tanks. The pilot descended and entered the traffic pattern. Upon turning onto the final approach leg the center fuel tank's low fuel pressure warning light activated. Thereafter, the fuel pressure decreased and all engine power was lost. The pilot further reported that he switched tanks and "wobble pumped frantically, but to no avail." The airplane developed a high sink rate and he was too low to glide to the airport.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, during its on-scene examination of the 1943 model "Stagger Wing" airplane, no fuel was found in the two upper wing tanks, the center fuselage tank, or in the lower wing's right tank. Approximately 10 gallons of fuel was observed in the lower wing's left tank. Airplane operating procedures require the pilot to have the fuel selector positioned toward the center fuel tank during takeoffs and landings. The lower wing tanks are only to be used during level flight.