Incident Overview
During the first flight after maintenance on the airplane's fuel system, the pilot reported a total loss of engine power while in cruise flight. Prior to the power loss, the pilot and a pilot-rated passenger had discussed a lack of movement of the right fuel indicator needle when both main fuel tanks were selected to the "ON" position.
Emergency Landing
After the engine lost power, the pilot asked the more experienced pilot-rated passenger to take control of the airplane for the landing. The airplane subsequently landed in a plowed field.
Post-Landing Observations
Following the landing, the pilots observed that the right main fuel tank was full, while the left main fuel tank was empty.
Inspection Findings
An inspection of the fuel system revealed that the right fuel selector valve had been assembled incorrectly. The misassembly caused the valve to block the flow of fuel from the right main tank when selected to the "ON" position.