Incident Summary
A pilot was airborne in a local area to allow parachute jumpers to exit the aircraft. To rapidly lose altitude, the pilot performed a prolonged slip maneuver. During the final approach to the runway, the engine stopped, and the altitude was insufficient to reach the intended landing area. The subsequent off-airport landing was unsuccessful.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the possible cause of the accident was improper fuel flow resulting from the slip and the abnormal attitude associated with it. The pilot also noted that it was incumbent upon the pilot for a safe landing to have selected the proper fuel position by referring to the owner's manual.
Findings
Examination of the aircraft revealed the fuel selector was positioned to 'OFF'. Ten gallons of fuel were found in the right tank, with no fuel in the left tank. The owner's manual for the aircraft cautions about proper fuel selector positioning; the selector on 'BOTH' is required for all but straight and level flight.