Incident Overview
A pilot, who had recently purchased the accident airplane, conducted a familiarization flight with the previous owner. After the flight, the main fuel tanks were topped off. During a subsequent 20-minute flight, the header fuel tank indicator showed empty. The pilot returned to the departure airport and reported the issue to the previous owner, who advised that it should be fine. The pilot then refueled the header tank and departed again for the destination.
Engine Failure and Emergency Landing
While en route, the engine lost all power. The pilot executed an emergency landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane flipped over inverted and sustained substantial damage.
Post-Accident Examination
A mechanic examined the wreckage and found that the fuel pump supplying the header tank was not operating at the correct flow rate.