Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel management.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot departed his private airstrip and was en route to a local airport to purchase fuel when the engine lost power. In an attempt to restart the engine, the pilot moved the fuel selector from the left wing tank to the right wing tank and turned on the boost pump. He was unable to restart the engine and made a forced landing to a cow pasture. During the landing sequence, the airplane impacted a dirt embankment. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. A quart of fuel was drained from the left wing tank and 16 gallons of fuel was drained from the right wing tank.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot departed his private airstrip and was en route to a local airport to purchase fuel when the engine lost power. In an attempt to re-start the engine, the pilot moved the fuel selector from the left wing tank to the right wing tank and turned on the boost pump. He was unable to re-start the engine and made a forced landing to a cow pasture. Postaccident examination of the damaged airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. A quart of fuel was drained from the left wing tank and 16 gallons of fuel was drained from the right wing tank.