Accident Details
While returning to the airport, the aircraft's engine lost power. The pilot executed an emergency landing in a soybean field that was saturated from recent rain. During the landing roll, the wheels became stuck in the soft soil, resulting in the aircraft nosing over.
Fuel State Discrepancy
The pilot reported that approximately 10 to 12 gallons of fuel were on board at the time of the event. However, the owner, upon arriving at the scene, noted that the fuel tanks were checked and appeared to be empty. The reason for this discrepancy was not determined.
Aircraft Examination
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical failures. The airframe and engine appeared to have been functioning normally prior to the power loss.