Accident Details
During a daytime instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight in visual meteorological conditions, the approach controller at the destination airport cleared the airplane for a straight-in approach to the runway. Shortly thereafter, the pilot reported a loss of engine power and executed a forced landing. During the landing roll in a field, the nose gear collapsed in the soft dirt, causing the airplane to nosed over to the inverted position.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that each time he moved the fuel selector from the 'BOTH' to the 'LEFT' position, the engine lost power. The airplane was a CE-172-E.
Inspector's Observations
An FAA inspector interviewed the pilot and noted that it appeared the pilot may not have moved the selector completely to the detent for the left fuel tank. The inspector stated that operation of the CE-172-E with the fuel selector between detents may cause reduced fuel flow or completely stop fuel flow to the engine. According to the inspector, during a ground/flight checkout in the airplane two days before the accident, the flight instructor did not cover the operation of the fuel selector in great detail because the pilot held a commercial pilot license.
Aircraft Examination
The inspector examined the airplane and found fuel in the aircraft fuel tanks. No mechanical discrepancies with the fuel selector valve were identified.