Accident Overview
During a night approach to an airport, a pilot experienced a power loss while descending for landing. The pilot had switched the fuel tank selector valve to what he believed was the "BOTH" position. Shortly after, the engine quit. The pilot checked the fuel selector but did not change its position; he then switched the magneto from BOTH to RIGHT and back to BOTH. When the engine failed to restart, the pilot was forced to ditch the aircraft in a reservoir short of the airport.
Occupant Actions
All occupants exited the aircraft and swam to shore safely. The pilot stated that the fuel selector in this aircraft differed from others he had flown, and in the darkness, he selected an improper position.
Post-Accident Findings
When the aircraft was salvaged, the fuel selector was found in the OFF position. No fuel was present in the gascolator or carburetor. The investigation noted that the OFF position is directly opposite the BOTH position, and there is no guard or protective device to prevent inadvertently moving the selector to OFF.