NTSB Factual Report

On August 4, 2003, at 1730 central daylight time, a Taylorcraft F19, N3575T, operated by a private pilot was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during an emergency landing following a reported in-flight loss of engine power near Lakewood, Wisconsin. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot reported no injuries. The flight departed from Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at 1615 and was destined for a private airstrip in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

The pilot stated:

Pilot was in cruise phase of flight at 2500 [feet above mean sea

level]. Approximately 1 hour after departure pilot noted fuel in

main tank was below half and attempted to refill main tank from

auxiliary wing tank. Pilot mistakenly turned fuel shut off valve

instead of tank valve. After noticing main tank was not filling,

pilot realized the wrong valve was turned and immediately

corrected action. Pilot turned correct valve and seconds later the

engine quit. Pilot turned toward old clearcut near a gravel road

and attempted restart with prop windmilling. ... During flare left

wing struck small tree causing aircraft to bank right and yaw left.

Right wing tip struck ground. Aircraft rolled out and struck small

tree with nose and rode up over it snagging right gear.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper use of the fuel system. A related factor was the tree.