Flight Departure and Fuel Selection
At 0953 EDT, the pilot departed on an IFR flight with full fuel tanks. The left main fuel tank was used for approximately one hour, then the right main fuel tank was selected.
Engine Failure and Emergency Descent
Just before starting a descent, while still using the right main tank, the engine quit. The pilot switched fuel tanks and attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. VFR conditions were encountered at 1800 feet, and a small clearing was selected as the most suitable area for landing.
Landing and Obstacle Strike
As the pilot unlocked the cabin door, the right front passenger unlocked her seatbelt. The aircraft was heading toward a house beyond the clearing, so the pilot deliberately struck a tree with the left wing. The passenger, who had unlocked her seatbelt, was seriously injured.
Examination Findings
An examination revealed that a rudder connector in the right vent line had deteriorated and blocked the vent, and the rudder flapper in the vented fuel cap was stuck. The maintenance facility that the owner was using had outdated manuals which did not call for required inspection of vent hoses. The fuel selector was found in the right main position; the pilot was unsure where or how long she had positioned the selector during the attempted engine restart.