Accident Sequence
During a cross-country flight, the engine lost power, forcing the airplane to land in an open field. On the landing roll, the left main wheel struck a depression, collapsing the left main landing gear. Prior to departure, the pilot had determined during the preflight inspection that the fuel tanks were full. After approximately 2 hours of flight, the pilot and the pilot-rated passenger decided to divert to an intermediate destination due to up and down drafts. Shortly after contacting approach control to receive flight following to the divert airfield, the engine sputtered and quit.
Post-Accident Examination
Several hours after the accident, a sheriff's deputy arrived at the scene and reported no evidence of fuel spillage. Five days later, a recovery crew examined the airplane. They found that the fuel tank caps were in place and fit snugly. The fuel gascolator had been broken off, and the fuel valve was in the OFF position. No evidence of fuel spillage was observed. Approximately 2 gallons of fuel remained in the airplane, all in the right wing tank. The spark plugs had a normal appearance, cylinder compressions were good, and the intake and exhaust systems were open. The carburetor bowl was empty, and the engine appeared capable of operating. The unusable fuel for the airplane is 1 gallon.
Aircraft Fuel System Findings
During the postcrash examination, the right fuel tank vent check valve was found to be inoperable.