Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadvertent selection of the off position of the fuel tank selector inflight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot the engine lost all power immediately after switching fuel tanks during initial climb. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field, which resulted in the airplane nosing over and substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot told investigators that she may have inadvertently moved the fuel selector to the OFF position and that she observed the fuel selector in the OFF position following the accident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.