What happened
The incident occurred during a dual instruction flight departing from Corona Municipal Airport. Prior to departure, the student pilot conducted a preflight inspection of the aircraft. Shortly after takeoff, as the aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level, the engine suddenly ceased operation.
With power lost, the instructor took control and attempted to land straight ahead. The terrain in the immediate vicinity was rough, which complicated the emergency landing attempt. The aircraft collided with a ditch during the descent, resulting in a crash.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the fuel system components upon arrival at the scene. A critical finding was that both wing fuel tanks were completely empty. This lack of fuel was the primary mechanical factor contributing to the engine failure. No other mechanical anomalies were cited as causes for the power loss.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The preflight inspection performed by the student pilot failed to identify that the tanks were empty, or the tanks were inadvertently drained prior to the flight. The instructor's decision to land in rough terrain with insufficient altitude resulted in the collision with the ditch.
Safety message
This accident highlights the critical importance of accurate fuel quantity checks during preflight inspections. Pilots must ensure that fuel gauges are verified against physical dip sticks or sight glasses, as instrument readings can be unreliable. Proper management of fuel reserves is essential to prevent fuel exhaustion in flight.