Accident Details
According to the official investigation, prior to departure the aircraft's fuel tanks were filled with 53 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel. During cruise flight at an altitude of 3,000 feet mean sea level (msl), the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot reported that at the time of the power loss, the fuel selector switch for the right main tank was in the ON position. The pilot subsequently selected the fuel selector to the left main tank, activated the fuel boost pump, and attempted to restart the engine. The restart attempt was unsuccessful.
Forced Landing
The pilot executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing approach, the engine momentarily regained power, causing the pilot to overshoot the intended landing area. The airplane then contacted soft terrain, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.
Fuel System Description
The aircraft's fuel system comprised left and right main fuel tanks and a header tank. The left and right main fuel tanks drained into the header tank, which was connected to the engine. The pilot had the option to open or close the fuel valves for the left main, right main, and header fuel tanks.