Accident Overview
An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during a gradual descent toward its destination airport. The pilot was unable to restart the engine, and a crash landing was executed in a plowed field approximately half a mile from the airport. The aircraft had been fully serviced with 48 gallons of usable fuel prior to its previous flight and had flown 1.8 hours before this flight began.
Preflight and Fuel Management
The pilot reported relying on fuel logs and fuel gauges to determine the fuel quantity and did not visually inspect the fuel level during the preflight inspection. The aircraft had flown 0.6 hours on this flight, totaling 2.4 hours since it was last refueled. At a power setting of 75%, approximately 24 gallons of fuel would have been consumed.
Engine Failure and Landing
While on a gradual descent, the engine lost power and could not be restarted. The pilot performed a crash landing in a plowed field, which was located about half a mile from the airport. No fuel was found in the aircraft's fuel tanks or fuel lines after the accident.
Post-Accident Investigation
Investigators found red fuel stains on the inlet fuel line and on the firewall below the line. The cowling being installed would have prevented the pilot from seeing these stains during preflight. The fuel line, part number S1236-8-0280, was removed and subjected to a pressure test at 7 psi, during which a small stream of fuel approximately 1/16 inch in diameter was observed. Additionally, reports indicated that fuel thefts had occurred at the airport, though no direct link to this incident was established in the provided information.