Forced Landing After In-Flight Engine Power Loss Due to Fuel Management Issue (N168RA)

Pilot Experience and Pre-Flight Actions The pilot had accumulated 2,400 hours of flight time in the type of airplane involved in the accident. However, he stated that he had never flown an aircraft equipped with the specific fuel management system installed on this airplane. The pilot also stated that he did not read the flight manual before the flight. ## In-Flight Events During the flight, the pilot had previously noted uneven fuel flow from the tanks. When the low fuel warning light for the left tank illuminated, he did not consider it unusual and elected to continue the flight. Approximately fifteen minutes later, the engine lost power, necessitating a forced landing. ## Fuel Management System The airplane was equipped with a handle marked 'Overflow Fuel Valve - Pull.' According to the manual, this valve was intended to prevent engine failure in flight by equalizing fuel between the left and right fuel tanks. The pilot stated that he believed the handle was some sort of dump valve and made no attempt to use it. ## Operational History and Other Reports Other operators of this type of airplane stated that they had experienced fuel vent problems when they imported and assembled the airplane. The accident airplane had operated for 1.7 hours prior to the accident flight and then operated for 2.5 hours prior to the power loss.