Incident Summary
A private pilot was conducting a VFR personal local flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91. During cruise flight at approximately 2,000 feet above ground level, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot reported that the takeoff and flight had been uneventful until the power loss occurred.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that he had the left wing fuel tank selected at the time of the power loss. He switched fuel tanks and turned the airplane toward the only open ground in the vicinity. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful.
Emergency Landing
The pilot executed an emergency landing in a marsh. Upon touchdown, the airplane rolled about 30 feet before it nosed over. No further damage assessment was provided, as the airplane was not examined by the NTSB.
Fuel Management
According to the pilot, the left wing fuel tank was about one-quarter full and the right wing fuel tank was about three-quarters full. The pilot had performed a preflight inspection and found no signs of fuel contamination. The airplane was equipped with "U" tube type fuel level indicators in the wing roots. The pilot believed that trapped fuel in these indicators gave him a false indication of the fuel quantity in the tanks.
Pilot's Observations
In a written statement, the pilot expressed that the loss of engine power was due to fuel starvation. He also noted that timing in fuel management could have prevented the accident. No other contributing factors were identified from the available information.