Incident Details
A commercial pilot, accompanied by an observer, was conducting an official survey flight for the state Game and Inland Fisheries. After approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes of flight, the aircraft was returning to the airport when the engine began to 'spit and sputter'. The pilot managed to restore engine power for about five seconds before announcing an intention to land.
Forced Landing
Spotting a grass strip, the pilot initiated a downwind landing. Upon noticing a mobile home at the end of the strip, the pilot deliberately flew the right wing into a tree to avoid colliding with the structure.
Examination and Findings
Post-incident examination of the wreckage revealed that the right fuel tank was empty while the left tank remained full. The fuel selector was found set to the right tank. The pilot reported that he had been preoccupied during the flight and forgot to switch tanks from the right to the left, resulting in fuel starvation.