Flight and Fuel Planning
Before departure, the pilot estimated that the airplane's fuel tanks contained approximately 70 gallons of fuel, planning to use 50 gallons for the flight. During cruise at 10,500 feet, the pilot encountered light and occasional moderate turbulence. To manage the turbulence, he reduced engine power several times and lowered the landing gear at least three times to slow the aircraft and increase stability.
Power Loss and Fuel Selector Action
While en route at 8,500 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot observed that the fuel gauges indicated the right tank appeared empty, while the left tank showed more than 1/4 tank. He switched the fuel selector to the left tank, and the engine regained power.
Decision to Divert
The pilot decided to land at a nearby airport to add fuel, check the magnetos, and ground run the engine before continuing to his intended destination. Approximately 9 miles from the airport, he lowered the landing gear and initiated a descent to the airport's pattern altitude.
Engine Surging and Emergency Landing
During the descent, the engine "faltered and surged" 4 to 5 times. The pilot trimmed the airplane for a 60-knot glide speed, declared an emergency on UNICOM, and attempted a landing to the nearest runway. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power completely, and the pilot initiated a forced landing to a field.
Collision and Fuel Recovery
During the forced landing, the airplane contacted a fence and a berm, causing the nose gear to collapse and buckling the firewall. According to recovery personnel, less than 1 gallon of fuel was recovered from the wing tanks and airframe fuel lines. The fuel sending units were removed from the wings and functionally tested; a functional check of the sending units and cockpit fuel gauges revealed no anomalies.