Accident Summary
While nearing the destination airport, the pilot was unable to locate it. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field. During the landing, the landing gear collapsed. The accident site was approximately 5 miles east of the destination airport. The total flight duration was about 3.5 hours.
Investigation Findings
The pilot used the Hobbs meter to track elapsed time. Examination revealed that the Hobbs meter was operating approximately 60% slower than the actual elapsed time. The pilot reported switching fuel tanks from the right to the left tank at 1.1 hours of Hobbs time, which corresponded to an estimated 0.67 hours of actual time into the flight.
Post-accident inspection found virtually no fuel in the fuel lines forward of the firewall. About two ounces of fuel was drained from the carburetor. The fuel selector was positioned to the left tank. No fuel was found in the left tank; however, the fuel lines from that tank were severed. Eighteen gallons of fuel was drained from the right tank. The engine operated satisfactorily during a test run.