Accident Details
During a ferry flight, the aircraft's engine stopped shortly after the pilot switched from the left fuel tank to the right tank. The pilot had previously refueled the empty right tank and added three gallons to the left tank before departure. After the initial engine stoppage, the pilot switched back to the left tank and regained power, but the engine quit again. The pilot used the hand primer while switching to the right tank, but the engine would not restart. The pilot then selected a dirt road for an emergency landing. During the landing, the aircraft collided with a ditch, causing the landing gear to collapse.
Fuel Management
Prior to the accident flight, the pilot refueled the right tank, which had been empty, and topped off the left tank with three gallons of fuel. During the flight, the pilot operated exclusively on the left tank until it was nearly empty before switching to the right tank. The engine stopped shortly after the switch. After a brief restoration of power on the left tank, the engine failed again while attempting to use the right tank with the hand primer.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the accident revealed several discrepancies in the aircraft's fuel system. The gascolator lacked a filter screen. The mixture control was not properly attached. The right fuel tank was contaminated, and its drain sump could not be operated. Additionally, the carburetor contained water and contamination in the bottom of the float chamber.