Accident Overview
Approximately one hour after departure, the aircraft suffered a complete loss of engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing to a cornfield. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over.
Recovery and Fuel System Examination
When the airplane was uprighted during recovery, fuel poured from both fuel tanks. Subsequently, the engine was started and ran without interruption. However, an examination of the fuel system revealed that a handful of sloshing-sealant particles had blocked the fuel strainer in the left fuel tank.
Maintenance History
Review of the aircraft's maintenance records indicated that the left fuel tank was sealed with sloshing sealant during a major repair conducted 43 years prior to the accident.
Probable Cause
The blockage of the fuel strainer by sloshing-sealant particles resulted in a total loss of engine power.