LAX99LA044

The aircraft collided with ground obstructions during a forced landing 2.5 miles short of the airport. The pilot was practicing an ILS instrument approach when he experienced engine failure, and was unsuccessful at restarting the engine. Upon retrieval of the aircraft, the right fuel tank was found empty, while the other tanks were full. The fuel selector valve was on the right tank. The fuel system was continuous and without leaks.

On December 5, 1998, at 1056 hours Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-24-250, N8086P, collided with ground obstructions during a forced landing 2.5 miles north of the Southern California International Airport, Victorville, California. The forced landing was precipitated by a total loss of engine power during a practice instrument approach to the airport. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The aircraft, owned and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91, sustained substantial damage. The private pilot, the sole occupant, incurred minor injuries. The flight originated from the Rialto, California, airport, with a planned stop at Apple Valley, California. The pilot departed Apple Valley Airport at 1045, and intended to practice instrument approaches at the Southern California Airport, prior to returning to Rialto.

An officer from the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department interviewed the pilot after the accident. The pilot stated that before he took off from Rialto Airport, he preflighted the aircraft and found that one tank was a little low on fuel, and the other tanks were full. There were no discrepancies with the flight from Rialto to Apple Valley. After a brief stop, the pilot proceeded to Southern California International to practice ILS approaches; he was on a 10 to 15 mile DME arc when the engine stopped. The pilot stated he applied carburetor heat and switched fuel tanks; however, the engine did not restart prior to ground contact.

The responding Sheriff's deputy examined the aircraft visually and found no evidence of fuel system leaks.

Aircraft Recovery Services of Compton, California recovered the aircraft and reported that the right main fuel tank was empty. The right outboard left main, and left outboard tanks were full. The fuel selector valve was on the right main fuel tank. The fuel system was inspected and found to be continuous and there were no leaks.