Accident Details
During the approach to an airport, the pilot reported that the engine lost power. The pilot switched the fuel selector from the left tank to the right tank and attempted to restart the engine, but these attempts were unsuccessful. Subsequently, the pilot initiated a forced landing to an open field. The airplane touched down with the landing gear retracted. After touchdown, the airplane spun around, slid through a drainage ditch and a fence before coming to rest.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the airplane after the accident revealed that less than one quart of fuel was present in the left fuel tank, while approximately 9 gallons of fuel remained in the right fuel tank. No evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction was found.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that he had flown this route before. On the previous flight, he had refueled the aircraft. However, on the day of the accident, the pilot elected not to refuel.