Flight and Engine Failure
After an uneventful departure, the pilot was en route when the engine lost power. He applied carburetor heat and moved the mixture control to the full forward position. He then turned toward a nearby airport while attempting engine restart procedures, but the engine did not respond.
Emergency Landing
While on final approach, the pilot determined that he would not reach the airport. He executed an emergency landing in a field. As the main wheels touched down, the airplane nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and found the fuel selector valve positioned to the left tank. Approximately half a gallon of fuel was recovered from the left fuel tank, while about 20 gallons of fuel were recovered from the right tank. The pilot reported that he did not switch fuel tanks after the engine failure. The pilot operating handbook for the Cessna 172N states that in the event of an engine failure, the pilot should move the fuel selector valve to the "BOTH" position. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported by the pilot.