White Swan, WA, USA
N3388T
CESSNA 177
The pilot of the airplane reported that, after the takeoff he switched to the right fuel tank to verify that it was working, and then switched back to the left tank to run it dry for upcoming maintenance. When the engine began to sputter, he switched to the right tank, but the engine lost all power, despite turning the fuel pump on, pumping the throttle, and again switching back to the left tank. He force-landed the airplane to a dirt field where the nose landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot examined the fuel tanks and discovered that the left tank had about 2 gallons remaining, and the right tank had about 15 gallons remaining. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel management.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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