Incident Overview
During cruise flight, approximately two hours and ten minutes after departure, the engine lost power and could not be restarted by the pilot. The subsequent forced landing resulted in the airplane touching down in a rice field. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear impacted a levee, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted.
Fuel System Issues
Earlier in the day, during a fuel stop, an individual loaned the pilot a pair of needle nose pliers after the pilot noted that the locking tabs on the left main fuel tank cap were broken. The individual suggested purchasing a new fuel cap, but the pilot did not do so. At the departure airport, ground personnel reported a "bad fuel leak" from the left main tank. After fueling, the pilot applied duct tape to the left main fuel tank filler cap.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the fuel system and found the left fuel filler cap to be loose with a broken clip. No fuel remained in either tank, and there was no evidence of a fuel spill. However, blue streaking was observed from the left fuel tank filler port, indicating a fuel leak.