Pilot Actions Before Engine Power Loss
A commercial pilot with 3,767 hours of flight experience was preparing to perform a 180-degree turn for a 45-degree entry to a right downwind for runway 17. During this maneuver, the engine began sputtering. In response, the pilot reached down and moved the fuel selector from the "left main" tank position to what he believed was the "auxiliary" tank position.
Engine Failure and Immediate Responses
After the fuel selector was moved, the engine stopped producing power. The pilot then turned the auxiliary fuel pump to the "on" position, expecting the engine to resume operation momentarily, but it did not. Recognizing the situation, the pilot looked toward the airport and concluded that he would be unable to reach the runway. He began searching for a suitable location for a forced landing.
Forced Landing Execution
The pilot extended the airplane's landing gear and chose to land in an open pasture. After touchdown in the pasture, he observed a ditch in his path that could not be avoided. The subsequent landing resulted in the aircraft encountering the ditch.
Post-Accident Discovery
After the accident, the pilot discovered that, instead of turning the fuel selector to the "auxiliary" position, he had inadvertently turned it to the "off" position, which caused the engine to stop producing power.