Incident Summary
According to the pilot's report, the flight departed with the fuel selector positioned on the right fuel tank. After leveling off at 3,000 feet, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the left tank. Immediately after this action, the engine lost power. The pilot then turned the aircraft back toward the airport, switched the fuel selector to the opposite tank, and attempted to restart the engine. Despite these efforts, engine power could not be restored. During the subsequent forced landing, the aircraft collided with a dirt berm short of the runway.
FAA Examination
Following the accident, FAA airworthiness inspectors examined the aircraft. They measured the fuel remaining in each tank: the right fuel tank contained approximately half a tank of fuel, while the left tank held less than one gallon. The inspectors also performed an engine run-up. After jacking up the nose of the aircraft and replacing the propeller, they reconnected the battery and turned the fuel selector to the right tank. The engine started and operated normally, with all power plant gauges indicating within normal ranges. Fuel system continuity was verified throughout the aircraft.
Pilot's Fuel Quantification
The pilot did not specify the method used to quantify the amount of fuel in each tank prior to departure.