Flight and Fuel
The pilot departed for a local flight in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. Before departure, the left fuel tank sight gauge indicated about 1/4 tank of fuel, and the fuel selector was positioned on the left tank. The right tank contained a small amount of fuel. The pilot later reported that he had departed with 18 gallons of fuel.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
During cruise flight, the engine suddenly quit. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the right tank, and the engine restarted. After running for approximately three minutes, the engine quit again. The pilot then selected an open area of tundra and performed a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane's right main landing gear was broken from the fuselage.
Post-Accident Inspection
The pilot reported encountering unexpected headwinds and switching fuel tanks to the reserve tank. After switching, the engine ran for a few minutes before quitting. An inspection of the airplane revealed a restriction in the fuel gauge, which had produced a false reading.
(The source did not provide any probable cause statement.)