Accident Overview
A pilot conducting a spiraling descent with carburetor heat applied to reach pattern altitude in the Walla Walla area experienced an engine that would not respond when leveling off. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing into a nearby field.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident investigation revealed that both fuel tanks contained no fuel. The right fuel bladder was found partially collapsed. Additionally, the float-type fuel quantity transmitter provided an erroneous fuel quantity indication in the cockpit. The erroneous indication was attributed to interference caused by the collapsed bladder.
Sequence of Events
The pilot arrived in the Walla Walla area and began a spiraling descent, using carburetor heat, to achieve pattern altitude. Upon attempting to level off, the engine failed to respond to power application. With no engine power available, the pilot conducted a forced landing into a field nearby. The aircraft came to rest in the field without further incident.
Condition of Aircraft
No damage beyond the forced landing is specified in the source. The aircraft's fuel system was examined, and the absence of fuel in both tanks was confirmed. The right fuel bladder's partial collapse likely distorted the float-type fuel quantity transmitter, leading to an incorrect fuel quantity reading in the cockpit.