Accident Sequence
The rental airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during climb after departure. The pilot had performed the preflight in moderate rain while his family boarded and baggage was loaded. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, with ceilings approximately 500 feet above ground level at the time. Following the power loss, the pilot switched fuel tanks and adjusted the mixture from rich to lean but was unable to restart the engine. Concerned about wooded terrain in the area, he initiated a turn back toward the departure airport. Upon breaking out of the cloud base, he had about 20 seconds to select a landing field. His vision was greatly obscured by rain and fog, and trees at the end of the intended field appeared closer than anticipated. He then changed his landing field to an adjacent field, where he landed and the airplane impacted terrain.
Pilot's Assessment
The pilot stated that there would have been little likelihood of the airplane receiving any damage if he had not switched fields.
Inspection Findings
Post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed that the left main fuel tank contained unusable fuel, and the left main fuel tank quick drain was open.
Emergency Procedures Reference
The airplane's Pilot's Operating Handbook Emergency Procedures includes the following guidance: "If engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion, power will not be regained after tanks are switched until empty fuel lines are filled, which may be up to ten seconds."