Incident Overview
A pilot en route from Gallup, New Mexico, to Dalhart, Texas, experienced a fuel feed issue with the left fuel tank. The left tank would not feed, prompting the pilot to make a precautionary landing on rough, grassy terrain. The landing was executed without damage to the aircraft.
Examination and Repair
Following the landing, an examination revealed that the tab for the left fuel filler cap was broken, and the cap was not properly seated. Due to uneven pressures between the fuel tanks, all fuel had been flowing from the right tank, leaving the left tank unable to feed. The issue was corrected by addressing the filler cap and equalizing tank pressures.
Takeoff and Fence Strike
After the repair, the pilot initiated a takeoff from the rough terrain. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft's empennage struck a fence, resulting in damage to the left elevator. The pilot then landed the aircraft in the next field without further damage. The ambient temperature was 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the elevation was approximately 6000 feet.