What happened
The flight began with a minimum amount of fuel available. The pilot estimated that the left wing tank contained approximately 2 to 3 gallons, while the right wing tank was nearly empty. Because the right tank was running low, the pilot kept one hand on the fuel tank selector valve, prepared to switch to the left tank at the first sign of engine trouble.
As anticipated, the engine began to sputter. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the left tank, which allowed the engine to run for approximately 45 seconds to one minute before it began sputtering again. Realizing the engine would not continue to run, the pilot executed an emergency landing on a tundra surface. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
The investigation
The pilot suggested that the loss of engine power may have been caused by the engine ingesting sludge from the bottom of the right wing fuel tank. It was noted that the right wing tank had remained part of the aircraft since its construction in 1957.