Flight and Fuel Management
Prior to departure for the return flight to home base, the pilot filed an IFR flight plan, conducted a preflight inspection, and had the fuel tanks topped off. The flight began with the left fuel tank selected; after approximately one hour, the pilot switched to the right fuel tank. Upon reaching the destination area, the pilot noted multiple cloud layers and requested and received an IFR clearance to the destination airport. About one hour later, the pilot switched back to the left fuel tank. Approximately 45 minutes after that, the left fuel gauge indicated zero, prompting a switch to the right tank, which showed 5 gallons. The pilot then switched back to the left tank, causing the engine to stop; switching back to the right tank restored engine power.
Approach and Go-Around
The pilot declared minimum fuel and received information about nearby airports, including one 7 miles in the direction of flight and the destination airport, which was 11 miles in the same direction. The pilot continued to the destination airport to lose altitude. At 4,000 feet, with traffic pattern altitude at 800 feet, the pilot requested a straight-in approach to runway 30, even though runway 12 was the active runway. On short final, the pilot initiated a go-around due to high speed and high altitude.
Loss of Power and Landing
During the turn back to the runway, the engine lost power. The pilot subsequently landed in a marshy area. During recovery of the airplane, no fuel was observed in the tanks. Examination of the engine revealed no fuel staining on the wings or fuselage, and no leaks in the fuel system. A run-up check showed no discrepancies.