Incident
During climb through approximately 7000 feet on a hot day, the engine abruptly lost power. Several attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. During these attempts, the pilot observed that the fuel flow indication was at or near zero, and activating the boost pump had no effect on the reading. All other engine readings appeared normal, and manifold pressure varied with throttle position while the propeller was windmilling.
An emergency landing was executed in an open field with rolling terrain. However, the aircraft could not be stopped before colliding with tall corn at the end of the field. After stopping, the pilot turned the fuel selector off.
Findings
Post-accident inspection revealed that both fuel tanks were nearly full, but no fuel was found in the gascolator or the engine fuel lines. When checked after the accident, fuel was free to flow from the tanks to the engine. Three 90-degree bends were noted in the fuel line between the gascolator and the electric boost pump.
The aircraft had been sitting in high temperatures before takeoff. Turbulence was encountered during climb. The Pilot Operating Manual (POM) recommends low auxiliary fuel pressure for vapor suppression. Conditions were conducive to vapor lock.