Accident Summary
A pilot conducted an off-airport forced landing after the engine lost power approximately 10 minutes into a flight. The pilot had reported carrying 11 gallons of fuel for a planned 15-minute journey. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power; the pilot activated the fuel pump, which temporarily restored power. The fuel selector was positioned to "Both," with the left fuel tank indicating empty and the right fuel tank fluctuating between 1/8 and 1/4 full.
Forced Landing
Over a heavily wooded area, the engine lost power again. The pilot identified a small clearing for landing, but the clearing contained logs, rocks, stumps, and ruts. The airplane contacted these obstacles during the landing.
Post-Accident Inspection
After the accident, inspectors drained approximately 12 gallons of fuel from the right fuel tank and a little over 2 gallons from the left fuel tank. The fuel selector was found in the "Both" position. The inspection did not reveal any mechanical failure or malfunction that could have caused the loss of engine power.