Flight and Engine Failure
The flight departed with full fuel tanks. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot repositioned the fuel selector. About one hour into the flight, the fuel selector was again repositioned. Approximately one hour and 50 minutes after departure, the engine sputtered. The pilot repositioned the fuel selector, and engine power was restored. The pilot then attempted to divert to a nearby airport. While descending, the engine quit.
Forced Landing
After descending below the cloud base, the pilot located a road and attempted a forced landing. During the landing, the right wing collided with a fence. The airplane then impacted the road and came to rest upright.
Post-Crash Examination
A post-crash examination of the airplane revealed no fuel remaining in the fuel tanks. Both fuel caps were in place. No fuel leakage was noted at the scene. Each fuel tank bladder had been replaced within the preceding six years, and the pilot had replaced only the left fuel cap. Examination of the right fuel cap revealed that the seal was cracked. No abnormal wrinkles were noted in the fuel bladder cells, and each bladder was secured by the top hangers.