Overview
The airplane experienced a loss of engine power during cruise, leading to a forced landing in a field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Flight and Refueling
The pilot reported that he had stopped at an en route airport to refuel before continuing to his final destination. He had the lineman at the fixed base operator add 7 gallons of fuel to each wing tank for a total of 14 gallons. After the lineman placed the fueling ladder on his truck, the pilot went in to pay the bill. The pilot did not check the tanks or the fuel caps after the lineman had added the fuel.
Loss of Engine Power
The pilot reported that after departing, approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes of flight later, the airplane's engine stopped running. He reported that the fuel indicators showed empty on the left tank, but 1/2 or better on the right tank. The fuel selector was in the BOTH position.
Forced Landing
The pilot executed a forced landing to a soybean field. The field was too short and the airplane became airborne again before landing hard in a field.
Post-Accident Inspection
Inspection of the airplane revealed that the right fuel door was open and the filler cap was off and dangling by the chain attached to the filler neck. A fuel stain was observed that went from the filler neck to the trailing edge of the right flap. The left and right fuel tanks were empty.