Narrative
The pilot reported entering the landing pattern and performing the pre-landing checklist. She lowered the landing gear, pulled the carburetor heat on, turned the fuel pump on, switched to the fullest fuel tank, and reduced power. While turning from base to final, she added a little power, but there was no power available. The second pilot attempted to restart the engine by switching magnetos, but was unsuccessful. The second pilot then assumed control of the airplane and turned to the left to land in a soybean field, as power lines and a railroad track were situated between the airplane and the runway.
During landing, the airplane was in a left-wing-low attitude. The left wing struck the ground before the airplane skidded to a stop. After the accident, all engine, propeller controls, and flight controls were verified as intact and operable. The fuel selector was found in the OFF position. When asked, both the pilot and second pilot stated they had not moved the fuel selector to OFF after the accident.
Findings
Examination of the fuel system revealed that the fuel drain plug from the carburetor was removed. Only a trace of fuel—two or three drops—was present. The fuel selector had been found in the OFF position.