Event Description
A pilot reported that while beginning a descent to his destination airport, the engine began to lose power. The pilot stated he was unable to restart the engine and subsequently made a forced landing into trees. During the event, the pilot had been operating the airplane with the left fuel tank selected and could not recall switching to the right tank during the emergency descent.
A passenger seated in the right front seat reported that the left fuel gauge indicated empty while the right fuel gauge indicated full. The passenger observed the fuel selector positioned on the left tank and suggested to the pilot that he should switch fuel tanks. According to the passenger, the pilot told him to "relax" and did not switch tanks.
Postaccident Inspection
After the incident, an inspection of the aircraft revealed that the left fuel tank contained an unusable quantity of fuel, while the right fuel tank was full. The airplane's engine and the electric fuel boost pump were removed for testing.
Engine and Fuel Pump Tests
The engine was started and operated on a test stand without any observed mechanical anomalies. The fuel pump was also tested and found to be functional.