Incident Sequence
During cruise flight at 5,500 feet MSL, the engine unexpectedly stopped. The pilot switched fuel tanks, and the engine restarted. Following the restart, the pilot directed the aircraft toward the nearest airport, which was located in Bridgeport, Texas. While on final approach for landing, the engine ceased operation again and could not be restarted. A forced landing was performed in a hay field approximately half a mile north of the airport. During the landing, the aircraft collided with a large hay bale.
Pilot Fuel Management
The pilot had overflown his intended enroute refueling point. This occurred due to known problems with the aircraft's starter system and the pilot's reliance on the fuel gauge readings when he reached the planned refueling point. No other details were provided.