Incident Overview
The pilot of a single-engine airplane refueled twice before departing on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight. After the first refueling, she completed a preflight inspection. She then requested an additional 5 gallons of fuel be added to the right main fuel tank. However, she did not conduct another preflight inspection to verify that the fuel had been added or to check the fuel cap before departure. The pilot reported that she did not recheck the fuel caps after the second refueling.
Loss of Engine Power
During cruise flight, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing flare and touchdown, the airplane collided with plowed furrows and nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of a pre-crash mechanical malfunction. The left and right main fuel tanks were not ruptured, but no fuel was present in either tank. Fuel streaking was observed on the top of the right wing, and the right main fuel cap was not secured.