Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 2; Flight Crew Total 1200; Flight Crew Type 1000
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Human Factors
While enroute on a personal flight; at 6500 ft [the] engine quit. ATC directed me toward [an alternate airport] at a heading of 300. I realized quickly that I could not see the airport and was heading deeper into mountains with fewer landing options. I turned eastward and began searching for best possible landing spot. Nothing appeared perfect so when I had lost altitude to the point that I needed to land; I chose the best spot within reach and landed there. I chose to direct 100% of my attention to safely landing the airplane and delay troubleshooting until after the landing. After safely landing the aircraft with no injuries and no damage I found that the fuel selector valve was on the right tank. I normally operate with fuel selector on BOTH. The RIGHT TANK position was unintentional. I transported an additional 9 gallons of fuel to the aircraft to assure a safe margin. Selected an appropriate take-off area and departed the field the following day.
C182 pilot reported executing a forced landing following engine failure related to fuel starvation.