Flight and Engine Failure
The pilot was cruising at 8,500 feet mean sea level (msl) when the engine began running rough. After verifying that the engine power controls were in their normal positions, the engine quit and the fuel pressure gauge indicated zero. The pilot activated the auxiliary fuel pump and attempted the restart procedure, but fuel pressure remained at zero with the engine windmilling at 1,600 rpm. Switching fuel tanks and keeping the auxiliary fuel pump on did not restore fuel pressure, and a second restart attempt also failed.
Forced Landing
The pilot initiated a glide toward a dirt landing strip but did not have sufficient altitude to reach it. The aircraft landed several hundred feet short in rough terrain, and the nose gear collapsed after encountering a ditch.
Post-Accident Fuel Verification
On scene, fuel quantity was verified: the left tank was full and the right tank was at the bottom of the filler neck.
Engine Examination and Test Run
Following recovery, the airframe and engine were examined. A 5-gallon fuel supply was attached to the right wing fuel system. The fuel selector valve checked and operated normally. The boost pump was operated, and fuel pressure was observed in the normal range. The engine was primed, started, and run through the complete power range. A 50-rpm drop was observed when each magneto was checked at 1,700 rpm. Normal fuel flows were observed, and leaning of the mixture was normal. No mechanical problems were encountered during the engine run, and the engine shut down normally.