Cardinal 177/177RG
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 120; Flight Crew Total 16000; Flight Crew Type 500
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Human Factors; Aircraft
During VFR practice approach; approximately 3 miles from the runway; the engine quit. The fuel gauges were left tank; 1/4 full; right tank variable between empty and full. I landed in a nearby field; approximately 1/2 mile short of the runway. No damage to the airplane; and no injuries. Received assistance from local farmer and property owner. The fuel tanks appeared empty. I put fuel in the airplane; inspected the engine; and determined the most likely cause was fuel starvation. Successful takeoff from the field; flew to [nearby airport]. Further inspection showed no damage to the airplane. I filled the tanks and flew to the home base.
C177B pilot reported executing a forced landing in a field following engine failure that was apparently due to fuel starvation.