Incident Overview
A single-engine aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power after approximately three hours of flight. The pilot reported that the engine began running rough and subsequently ceased producing power. In response, the pilot applied carburetor heat, activated the electric fuel pump, and moved the mixture control to the rich position, but these actions did not restore engine operation.
Emergency Landing Attempt
The pilot attempted to execute an emergency landing in a pasture. However, before the aircraft could reach the intended landing area, it contacted trees and crashed.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the aircraft following the accident revealed that the fuel selector was positioned to the left fuel tank. The left tank contained approximately one pint of fuel, while the right tank was full. During a post-accident test run, the engine operated normally, indicating no pre-existing mechanical issues.
Pilot Information
The pilot was a foreign national from Mozambique.