Incident Summary
Approximately five minutes after departure, the engine began running rough. It subsequently lost power and could not be restarted. The aircraft was damaged during an emergency landing in a potato field.
Investigation Findings
Before aviation inspectors arrived, the aircraft was moved from the landing site. Examination of the fuel system revealed no fuel in the fuel pumps, injectors, fuel strainer, or lines leading to the engine. However, sufficient fuel was reported to be remaining in the fuel tanks.
The pilot reported washing the aircraft just prior to the flight. He suggested that the power loss may have been due to moisture or clogged fuel vents. Despite these possibilities, investigators were unable to determine a reason for a fuel system cavitation or loss of power.