Incident Overview
A pilot reported that while approximately 7 miles from his home airport, the engine began to run rough and subsequently quit. He attempted to restart the engine without success. After selecting a field for a forced landing, the engine restarted and ran rough. The pilot stated that the propeller was windmilling and the engine started sputtering just before touchdown on a snow-covered field.
Investigation Findings
An on-scene investigation revealed no mechanical anomalies with the engine or airframe that would prevent flight. No evidence of fuel was found in the fuel tanks, on the ground near the airplane, the fuel servo, fuel manifold, or injector ports. The throttle arm was found in the 'Closed' position on the throttle body.
Conclusion
The investigation did not identify any mechanical issues that would have caused the engine failure. The absence of fuel in the system suggests fuel exhaustion, though the pilot did not report fuel quantity prior to the event. The throttle being closed at touchdown is consistent with a power-off landing.