Incident Overview
During a banner towing flight, the pilot reported that he had alternately switched between fuel tanks while operating in the designated area. As he departed the area to return to the base, the engine suddenly stopped. The pilot executed a forced landing into a field, and during the landing roll, the airplane nosed over.
Post-Event Findings
According to the operator, who visited the accident site, no fuel was found in the left fuel tank. In contrast, the right fuel tank was nearly full. The fuel selector valve was discovered in the left tank position. After the airplane was righted, an attempt was made to start the engine. When the fuel selector was moved to the right tank position, the engine started and operated normally.
Fuel System Examination
Subsequent examination of the fuel system indicated that it was capable of normal operation. No further anomalies were reported.
Conclusion
The incident involved a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, with the left tank empty and the fuel selector set to that tank. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained damage from the nose-over.