Flight Details
The pilot, who was the new owner of the airplane, was informed by the previous owner that the auxiliary fuel tank had not been used since that owner acquired the aircraft. Prior to a cross-country flight, the pilot filled the auxiliary fuel tank and sumped it twice for sediment and/or water, finding none.
Incident
During the first two legs of the flight, the auxiliary fuel tank appeared to drain into the main fuel tank as expected. However, on the third leg, the main fuel tank quantity dropped to 1–2 gallons while the auxiliary fuel tank remained full. The pilot elected to make a precautionary landing in an open area.
Landing Gear Collapse
During the landing roll, the main landing gear impacted a rut and collapsed. There was no further information provided about injuries or damage beyond the gear collapse.
Recovery
A mechanic who helped recover the airplane stated that, by the time the aircraft was recovered a few days after the accident, the auxiliary fuel tank had drained into the main fuel tank.