Accident Overview
On August 26, 2011, at approximately 1800 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Woolston CH701, registration N246CV, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in a field near Carlton, New York. The flight, operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal local flight, had departed from Gaines Valley Aviation Airport (NY06), Albion, New York, at about 1745. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The sole occupant, a certificated private pilot, sustained minor injury.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that on either August 21st or 22nd, each fuel tank contained 8 gallons of automotive fuel. Subsequently, the airplane was flown on multiple short-duration flights without adding additional fuel. Before the accident flight, the pilot used a dipstick to check fuel quantity in each wing tank: the left tank held 8 gallons and the right tank held 2 gallons. The pilot planned a 20- to 25-minute flight and departed northbound with the fuel selector positioned to both tanks. While flying at an altitude of 600 to 800 feet above ground level, the engine sputtered and then quit. The pilot searched for a landing site and maneuvered for a forced landing in a field. After touchdown, the pilot observed components of an irrigation system and applied the brakes to avoid the equipment, causing the airplane to nose over.
Postaccident Inspection
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found no fuel flow from the left fuel tank to the engine compartment. Further inspection revealed that a nipple (part number P/N F125-4A) from the left fuel supply system was clogged with a small piece of rubber, which prevented fuel flow. No other discrepancies were identified.