Cessna 210 pilot reported a temporary loss of engine power due to improper fuel tank management.

Attributes
ACN	1575001
Time
Date	201808
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.TRACON
State Reference	US
Environment
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Cessna 210 Centurion / Turbo Centurion 210C 210D
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 91
Flight Phase	Cruise
Route In Use	Direct
Flight Plan	None
Component
Aircraft Component	Fuel Crossfeed
Person 1
Function	Pilot Flying Single Pilot
Qualification	Flight Crew Flight Instructor Flight Crew Instrument
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25 Flight Crew Total 4500 Flight Crew Type 1000
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue

Narrative:

The purpose of the flight was to perform some post-maintenance engine performance tests. Prior to the flight I determined there was plenty of fuel available. After some take-offs and landings at a local airport; I climbed to 6500' and contacted approach for advisories while I knew I would be somewhat distracted. I again confirmed adequate fuel but decided I should switch tanks when heading back to base. The tests went smoothly and I turned to head home; descending to 3500' and forgetting to switch tanks. Just east of ZZZ1 the engine stopped. I immediately turned back to ZZZ1; advised ATC of the problem and began trouble shooting. Finally I checked the fuel gauges and realized my error. Switched tanks and the engine soon recovered. Resumed the flight to base and landed without further issue; landing with well more than legal minimums.my take away--anything other than flying the airplane should be more than a solo activity. Using ATC as a second set of eyes for traffic was good but not a substitute for me as PIC keeping focused on flying while someone else does the data collection. Also; be very generous with fuel available.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Cessna 210 pilot reported a temporary loss of engine power due to improper fuel tank management.

Narrative: The purpose of the flight was to perform some post-maintenance engine performance tests. Prior to the flight I determined there was plenty of fuel available. After some take-offs and landings at a local airport; I climbed to 6500' and contacted Approach for advisories while I knew I would be somewhat distracted. I again confirmed adequate fuel but decided I should switch tanks when heading back to base. The tests went smoothly and I turned to head home; descending to 3500' and forgetting to switch tanks. Just east of ZZZ1 the engine stopped. I immediately turned back to ZZZ1; advised ATC of the problem and began trouble shooting. Finally I checked the fuel gauges and realized my error. Switched tanks and the engine soon recovered. Resumed the flight to base and landed without further issue; landing with well more than legal minimums.My take away--anything other than flying the airplane should be more than a solo activity. Using ATC as a second set of eyes for traffic was good but not a substitute for me as PIC keeping focused on flying while someone else does the data collection. Also; be very generous with fuel available.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site 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.