Flight Details
A private pilot with 201 hours of flight time departed at approximately 11:15 for a local cross-country flight. The engine was serviced with 6 quarts of oil, and the aircraft carried 12 gallons of fuel at departure. After takeoff, the pilot climbed to 2,500 feet with the electric boost pump activated.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
During cruise flight, the engine "powered back." The pilot attempted to restore full power by checking the fuses and fuel primer, turning on the electric fuel pump, and switching to the left fuel tank. The engine did not respond. Subsequently, the pilot elected to execute a forced landing in a field.
In a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that the engine "sputtered out," then briefly recovered with more sputtering, before "quitting completely."
Post-Accident Inspection
During recovery, personnel drained 7 gallons of fuel from the right fuel tank; the left tank was empty. An engine inspection was conducted on November 15, 2006. The engine sustained only minimal impact damage during the accident sequence. When rotated by hand, continuity through the valve train and compression on each cylinder were established. The bracket air filter was in place, appeared in good condition, and was free of obstructions. The aircraft's electrical system was turned on, and the electric fuel boost pump operated normally. Approximately two tablespoons of fuel were drained from the carburetor. The gascolator was opened and found to be dry and clear, with its screen in place and free of debris. No mechanical anomalies were noted during the examination.
Aircraft Fuel System Information
The airplane's information manual states under Fuel Limitations that the unusable fuel for this airplane is 1.0 gallon in each wing in critical flight attitudes. Additionally, the manual specifies that fuel consumption during cruise flight (75% power, best power setting) is 6.5 gallons per hour.