What happened
A pilot with 420 hours of flight time was operating an aircraft on a flight lasting three hours and ten minutes. The flight began with full fuel tanks, and approximately one hour after takeoff, the pilot transitioned from the left fuel tank to the right tank.
Prior to arrival, the pilot entered a left downwind for runway 03. During the approach, after lowering the landing gear, a passenger reported seeing liquid on the left wheel. While on final approach, the pilot determined the aircraft was slightly high and initiated a go-around. During the crosswind leg of the maneuver, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. The aircraft subsequently performed a hard landing in a field.
Following the evacuation, the pilot observed fuel leaking from the engine area.
The investigation
An inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector was conducted at the scene. No visible signs of fuel were found in the left wing fuel tank; however, approximately 28 ounces of fuel were drained from the left wing tank. An examination of the engine and airframe revealed no anomalies.