Accident Summary
A pilot departed with full fuel tanks to visit family for Christmas. During the preflight before the return trip, the pilot visually checked the fuel tanks and gauges, noting one tank registered just under 20 gallons and the other 15 gallons. The pilot did not add fuel before departure. Approximately halfway home, the engine lost power. The pilot enriched the mixture, activated the electric fuel pump, and switched fuel tanks, which temporarily restored power. The pilot then headed toward Spanish Fork Canyon. With the Spanish Fork Airport in sight, the engine lost power again, prompting a forced landing to an open field. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that after the first power loss, enriching the mixture, activating the electric fuel pump, and switching tanks increased engine power. After deciding to divert toward Spanish Fork, the power was lost a second time, leading to the forced landing.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination of the terrain showed it was frozen hard. An FAA inspector recovered approximately 1/4 cup of fuel from one fuel tank; the other tank was empty. The inspector also noted that the fuel strainers were clean but dry.