N732HS

On September 17, 1994, at 0903 eastern standard time (est), a Cessna 210L, N732HS, registered to Clement J. Smith of Elkhart, Indiana, and piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged during an off airport forced landing in a corn field following a pilot reported loss of engine power. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and one passenger reported minor injuries, a second passenger reported serious injuries. The flight departed Elkhart, Indiana, at 0900 est.

According to the pilot's written statement accompanying NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the accident airplane's engine stopped running "...immediately after takeoff... ." The pilot said he "...turned the [fuel] selector to the right tank..." after the engine stopped running. The pilot said, "My takeoff was on the left tank which was obviously out of fuel."

The on-scene investigation confirmed the pilot's written statement; the left fuel tank was empty and the fuel tank selector was on the right fuel tank.