What happened
While operating in cruise flight at approximately 200 feet above the ground, a solo private pilot experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot reported that the fuel selector valve had been set to the right fuel tank as part of an intention to run that tank dry before switching to the other tank.
As the engine began to lose power, the pilot attempted to switch the selector to the left fuel tank; however, engine power was not immediately restored. Consequently, the pilot selected a sandy river bank as a suitable area for a forced landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft slowly nosed over without the application of brakes. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the rudder and the left wing lift strut. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
Post-accident inspections focused on the braking system and wheel rotation. The pilot noted that hydraulic brake fluid had been added to the system just prior to the flight. An inspection revealed that the main wheels would not rotate. During the process of bleeding the hydraulic brake system, both air and pressurized hydraulic fluid were observed escaping from the bleed valve. Following the bleeding of the hydraulic system, both wheels were found to be operating normally.