Accident Flight
The pilot reported that the engine lost power shortly after takeoff. He made a forced landing in a plowed field, and the airplane was substantially damaged.
Fuel Status
The pilot stated that he last flew the airplane 5 days before the accident. On that day, the airplane had been fueled to capacity, after which he flew for 1.5 hours. For the accident flight, the pilot estimated he had no less than 38 gallons of fuel on board, consisting of 20 gallons in the fuselage tank and 18 gallons in the two wing tanks. Although he did not visually check the fuel tanks prior to takeoff, the fuel gauges indicated all fuel tanks were full.
Forced Landing
Following the engine power loss, the pilot executed a forced landing in a plowed field. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the landing.
Post-Accident Inspection
When the pilot removed the right wing fuel cap after the accident, he observed no evidence of fuel in that tank. The fuselage tank was found to be full. Fuel from the fuselage tank can be introduced into the main fuel supply by opening the fuel transfer valve, and activating the boost pump will accelerate this process. The pilot reported that he turned on the boost pump but did not have sufficient time to open the fuel transfer valve.