At 1005 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The private pilot/owner and two passengers sustained minor injuries. Visual conditions prevailed.
The pilot later reported he departed with approximately 26 gallons of fuel for the 35-minute flight. While in cruise flight at about 2800 feet msl and about 30 minutes after takeoff, the engine “abruptly” stopped producing power. The pilot turned on the electric fuel pump, switched fuel tanks, applied full throttle, mixture and carburetor heat, and attempted an engine restart. The engine would not restart, and he selected an open field for the forced landing. The airplane came to rest upright with substantial damage to the engine compartment, fuselage and empennage. Preliminary examination by the FAA revealed the airplane’s fuel tanks, as well as fuel lines to the engine, contained fuel.
