Incident Summary
A single-engine airplane nosed over during a forced landing after experiencing a total loss of engine power. The incident occurred when the pilot attempted to reach a nearby airport but was unable to make the runway.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that he was in cruise flight at 3,000 feet heading north when the engine began to sputter. He switched fuel tanks, turned on the carburetor heat, and turned toward the nearest airport. The pilot contacted the fixed-base operator (FBO) on the UNICOM frequency and was informed that winds were favoring runway 20. While on the base leg to the runway, the airplane lost engine power. The pilot realized he could not reach the runway and made a hard left turn toward a cornfield. The nose landing gear struck a berm or furrow in the cornfield, causing the airplane to bounce and then nose over inverted.
Eyewitness and Pilot Statements
Two linemen at the airport observed the accident. One called 911, and the other went to the crash site to assist. A deputy sheriff arrived and took a statement from the pilot. The lineman heard the pilot tell the deputy that he had run the airplane out of fuel and came up short while attempting to land at the airport.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed no smell of fuel or evidence of fuel leakage at the crash site. The airplane was turned upright by recovery personnel. The left and right fuel caps were removed and found to have a tight seal. The left and right fuel tanks were not ruptured, and no fuel was present. Approximately half an ounce of fuel was drained from each of the left and right fuel tank drains. The airplane was recovered to the airport for an engine run. Five gallons of fuel were added to the left main fuel tank, after which the engine started and ran before being shut down.