Background
The flight was intended for the first pilot to gain experience flying the airplane, as he was not familiar with it. He asked a part owner of the airplane to act as safety pilot during the flight because he planned to practice IFR procedures.
Accident Sequence
During an ILS-localizer approach, the first pilot inadvertently switched the fuel selector handle to the OFF position. The engine subsequently lost power. The first pilot was unable to move the fuel selector back to its original position. The safety pilot took control of the airplane, declared an emergency, and performed a forced landing in an open field. Upon landing, the airplane collided with a berm, resulting in substantial damage.
Aftermath
After the accident, the first pilot informed a responding police officer that he believed the fuel selector positions were LEFT-OFF-RIGHT. However, the actual positions were OFF-LEFT-RIGHT. The officer observed the fuel selector handle pointing toward the OFF position. Subsequent examination of the fuel selector handle revealed that it was difficult to move, as if insufficiently lubricated, but it functioned properly.