Primary finding
Probable cause
Power loss due to fuel starvation and the pilots improper selection of the off position on the fuel selector. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot took off with the fuel selector on the left tank and an unknown minimum amount of fuel in the tank. During climb out the engine started running rough. Carburetor heat was applied and a total loss of power occurred when the pilot moved the fuel selector switch to the 'off' position. During the landing roll, the nose gear struck a railroad tie and the airplane nosed over. No anomalies were found or reported by the FAA inspector.
Source record
Factual narrative
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