Flight Details
According to the pilot, the airplane departed with the fuel selector positioned to the left fuel tank. The left fuel gauge indicated 1/2 full, while the right fuel gauge indicated full.
Accident Sequence
During cruise flight, the engine lost power. The pilot immediately switched the fuel selector to the right fuel tank. The engine resumed power for a few seconds before losing power again. The pilot then switched the selector back to the left tank. Engine power continued to fluctuate. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane disclosed no evidence of mechanical malfunction. Significant brown staining of vegetation underneath the left wing was noted, while virtually no staining was observed underneath the right wing. The engine performed satisfactorily during a post-accident test run.