19980925040049A

(-23)Fuel selector valve found in off position. Interview with pilot revealed she had swapped tanks, but neither she or her passenger/pilot turned the fuel to off consciously. Removal of the carburetor drain plug revealed only several drops of fuel left in the carbuetor bowl. (.4) the pilot reported she entered the landing pattern and performed the pre-landing checklist. She lowered the landing gear, pulled carburetor heat on, turned the fuel pump on, switched to the fullest fuel tank, and reduced power. She turned from base to final and added a little power, but 'there wasn't any power there.' The second pilot switched magnetos and tried to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. The second pilot took control of the airplane and turned to the left to land in a soybean field, since there were powerlines and a railroad track between the airplane and the runway. The airplane landed in a left wing low attitude and the left wing hit the ground before the airplane skidded to a stop. All engine, propeller controls and flight controls were verified as being intact and operable. The fuel selector was found in the off position. The pilot and second pilot were asked whether either of them had moved the fuel selector to off after the accident had occurred and both stated they had not. The fuel drain plug from the carburetor was removed and only a trace of fuel, two or three drops, came out.