Flight and Weather Conditions
The pilot stated that the fuel tanks were topped off before departure. Wind conditions were reported from 160 degrees at 20 knots, gusting to 27 knots. The pilot flew at an altitude of 1,000 feet above ground level and diverted to the west due to weather.
Engine Power Loss
After approximately two hours of flight, the engine RPM decreased from 2,200 to 2,000, and then further to 1,500 RPM. The pilot began maneuvering to land in a field that ran north to south. During this maneuver, the engine RPM dropped to 1,000. The pilot determined that the intended field could not be reached and turned to the southwest for a forced landing.
Forced Landing and Wing Strike
As the pilot flared during touchdown, a wind gust from the south lifted the left wing, and the right wing struck the ground. The airplane was not equipped with an operable fuel indication system.
Post-Accident Inspection
A visual inspection of the aircraft revealed a small amount of fuel in the carburetor float chamber and in the firewall fuel strainer. There was no evidence of fuel in the fuel tank or the lower fuselage cavity. Additionally, no fuel seepage was found at the crash site, and no stains were present on the fuselage where fuel could have seeped out.