Narrative
The aircraft was conducting a training flight with an instructor and a private pilot being checked out in the airplane. During an approach for landing, the certified flight instructor (CFI) directed the pilot to execute a go-around. At approximately 300 feet above ground level, the engine ceased operation. The pilot reported that he moved the fuel selector to another tank. The subsequent forced landing occurred in an open field off the airport. During the landing, which was performed by the CFI, the nose gear dug into the ground and separated from the aircraft.
Investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that both main fuel tanks were full, while the auxiliary tanks were nearly empty. A decal on the aircraft warned against using the auxiliary fuel tanks in any flight condition other than level flight. The investigation also identified a critical difference in fuel system design between the accident aircraft and the Cessna 172, in which the private pilot had been previously trained. Specifically, the 'Both' position on the Cessna 172's fuel selector corresponds to the auxiliary tank position in this aircraft. This peculiarity had been discussed by the CFI and the pilot prior to the flight.
Further testing showed that the engine started on the first attempt when the fuel selector was placed in the left main tank position. All aircraft systems were subsequently checked and found to be operating normally.