PA-24 Comanche
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 250; Flight Crew Total 2600; Flight Crew Type 30
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Both the main and auxiliary tanks where topped off before departure. The incident occurred about 40 minutes into the flight at 8;500 FT over [a] freeway. Fifteen minutes prior I had switched from the right main tank to the left main tank. The incident began as followed: the engine began to sputter; then hard failed. I noticed loss in fuel pressure and instantly switched the fuel pump on; the fuel pressure remained in the red. At this point I started to divert to [a nearby airport]. Thinking it was a fuel problem I switched back to the right main tank; double checking that I didn't miss the detent; the pressure remained in the red. I also tried switching to the auxiliary tanks with no luck. I checked circuit breakers; primer; carb heat; recycled fuel pump; tried to pump the throttle and mixture; still no response. By this time I had descended to about 4;500 FT MSL and declared an emergency.Still en route to [the nearby airport] I realized I was not going to make it; so I decided to commit to [a closer airport]. The plane was still descending; and I was still trying to troubleshoot with no luck. Descending through 2;000 FT; 1;600 FT AGL; I realized I was going to fall short of [the closer airport]. There were power lines; high tension wires and homes lying before the airport; so I decided to put it down in a field just to the right of me while I still had the option. Pushing the nose down and [making a bee] line to the field I lowered the landing gear and flaps; cleared the trees and houses to the west of the field and accomplished a smooth soft field landing into the plowed empty field. Not a scratch on the plane or me; the incident was over. Fell about a mile and a half short of [the closer airport].I was still in contact with ATC and gave them my location. Looking back I can see how many pilots fall short of the field and end up in a housing tract thinking they can make it to the airport. The best decision I made was to commit to an off airport landing and not try to make the airport. I also believe that being in contact with ATC helped tremendously with airport locations and advisories as well. Thank you Approach.
PA-24 pilot reported engine failure at 8;500 FT in cruise. Pilot declared an emergency; was unable to make it to an airport; and landed in an open field with no damage or injuries.