Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45; Flight Crew Total 18700; Flight Crew Type 3800
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Human Factors
While flying from ZZZ to ZZZ1 a 7 mile flight at 700 feet. I attempted to change Fuel tanks from Left to Right while passing the off position the valve stuck in the off position; it would not budge. The engine quit and I made an uneventful landing in a pasture. The pasture was smooth so the aircraft was fine. I found a #8 PK sheet metal screw was lodged under the handle while trying to change tanks. I dislodged the screw and flew the aircraft out of the pasture.The fuel selector in this model of Mooney is located on the floor under the pilot's legs it is difficult to reach. Also; the valve handle is in a recessed plastic fixture that allows things like this screw to collect.
M20E pilot reported that while attempting to switch fuel tanks from left to right the valve became stuck in the off position.  The engine quit and the pilot performed an off-airport landing. Post landing; the pilot found the cause was a sheet metal screw had lodged under the fuel selector handle while trying to switch tanks.