What happened
The aircraft experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power during flight operations. In an attempt to resolve the issue, the pilot switched the fuel tank selector to draw from the auxiliary tanks. The pilot reported that the auxiliary tanks were full at the time of the incident. However, the main tank was known to contain only approximately one-half gallon of fuel. Despite these actions, engine power was not regained, necessitating a forced landing in an open field.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the mechanical status of the engine and fuel systems. The inspection revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction within the engine or its components. The cause of the power loss was not attributed to a hardware defect but rather to the depletion of usable fuel.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft ran out of usable fuel. The pilot's statement indicated that the main tank contained only one-half gallon of fuel, and while the auxiliary tanks were full, the specific tank selected at the time of power loss was unknown or ineffective in supplying fuel to the engine. This sequence of events led directly to the forced landing.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure adequate fuel reserves are maintained and verify that the correct fuel tank selector is engaged before flight. Relying on auxiliary tanks without confirming their integration into the fuel feed system can lead to critical fuel starvation.