Accident Details
A pilot reported that during cruise flight, the engine experienced a loss of power. In response, the pilot attempted to restore power by applying carburetor heat, switching the fuel tank selector, and checking the magnetos. When these actions did not recover power, the pilot returned the fuel selector to the originally selected tank and initiated a forced landing in a crop (corn) field.
Post-Accident Findings
After the accident, the fuel selector was found selected to the right fuel tank. No fuel leakage was observed from that tank. When the wings were removed to facilitate moving the airplane, approximately one quart of fuel was drained from the right tank. Following the aircraft being righted, the engine was started and ran without any noted mechanical anomalies.