Incident Overview
While approaching the intended refueling airport, the engine of the aircraft lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a cornfield approximately 7 miles short of the airport. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the landing.
Pilot's Account
The pilot, who had served as the right seat copilot during the outbound trip, reported that the left fuel quantity gauge had been unreliable because the needle did not move throughout that outbound flight. For the return (homebound) trip, the pilot relied on the right fuel gauge and elapsed time, assuming a fuel consumption rate of about 10 gallons per hour for en route fuel management.
Post-Accident Examination
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel examined the wreckage site. The inspection found approximately 1/2 to 3/8 inch of fuel in the bottom of the left fuel tank. The right fuel tank and fuel lines contained no fuel. There was no evidence of fuel spillage at the site.
Conclusion
The forced landing resulted from an engine power loss during the approach phase. The precise reason for the power loss was not determined by the available information.