Accident Details
A private pilot departed without visually checking the fuel level, relying instead on fuel gauges that indicated the left tank was 3/4 full and the right tank was 1/4 full. The fuel selector was positioned on the left tank for departure. After flying for approximately one hour, the pilot picked up a friend and continued to another airport, where they landed. They then taxied back to the runway and initiated a takeoff.
During the takeoff roll, the pilot executed a left turn. Shortly after, the engine began to sputter and subsequently lost all power. Unable to return to the airport, the pilot performed a forced landing in a field.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane. The inspection revealed that the left fuel tank was empty, while the right tank contained residual fuel.
The accident sequence was consistent with fuel starvation resulting from the left tank being depleted, while usable fuel remained in the right tank but was not selected.