Incident Details
The pilot had landed at a field site to pick up two passengers. Following the landing, he drained the fuel from the left fuel tank for storage. According to the operator, this is their normal practice, and as a result, they operate the airplanes with the fuel selector valve positioned to the right fuel tank. When the airplane was approximately five minutes from its destination, the engine unexpectedly stopped producing power. The airplane subsequently landed and nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
A subsequent examination of the fuel system revealed that the right fuel tank contained 7.3 gallons of usable fuel, while the left fuel tank contained 3.1 gallons of usable fuel. The engine was started and operated normally during testing after the incident.
Witness Statements
The passengers stated that the pilot did not dip the fuel tank prior to departure and that the return flight was turbulent.