Incident Overview
An airplane experienced a total loss of engine power while en route to a nearby airport after departing from a private landing strip. The pilot carried out a forced landing into a reservoir, resulting in substantial damage to the ailerons. The aircraft came to rest upright and floated for several minutes. The pilot egressed and was rescued by a local resident.
Pre-Flight and Fuel Details
Prior to the flight, the airplane had been fueled and then flown for approximately three hours and fifteen minutes before landing at the private strip. After refueling? (no mention of refueling at the strip), the pilot departed. Following recovery of the airplane from the reservoir, about 20 gallons of fuel were drained from the right wing fuel tank. The left wing fuel tank was void of fuel, and the fuel selector was selected to the left tank.
Examination Findings
An examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no other anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation.