Narrative:

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.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: 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.

Narrative: 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.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.