Aug. 10, Somerset, Pa. / Aero Commander 114-B

At 14:50 eastern time, an Aero Commander 114-B lost power while on approach to runway 24 at the Somerset County Airport and was damaged during a forced landing to a field. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The pilots son said the aircraft was on a five-mile final on the Localizer 24 approach when the pilot changed the fuel selector valve from the right tank to both, at which point the engine began to sputter. On approximately one mile final, the engine shut off completely. Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel system was intact, and approximately one quart of light blue fuel was drained from the airplane.