What happened
The pilot entered the landing pattern and completed the pre-landing checklist, which included lowering the landing gear, engaging carburetor heat, turning on the fuel pump, and switching to the fullest fuel tank. While reducing power and turning from base to final, the pilot attempted to add power but found that the engine provided no response.
The second pilot attempted to restart the engine by switching magnetos, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Due to the presence of powerlines and a railroad track between the aircraft and the runway, the second pilot took control of the airplane and maneuvered to land in a nearby soybean field. The aircraft touched down in a left-wing-low attitude, causing the left wing to strike the ground before the plane skidded to a stop. The occupants were not injured.
The investigation
Investigators verified that all engine, propeller controls, and flight controls were intact and operable. During the examination, the fuel selector was found in the OFF position. Both the pilot and the second pilot stated that neither had moved the fuel selector to the OFF position after the accident occurred. Upon removing the fuel drain plug from the carburetor, only a trace of fuel—approximately two or three drops—was recovered.