Accident Sequence
The student pilot and certified flight instructor (CFI) departed from Broomfield, Colorado, and flew to Longmont, Colorado, to practice touch-and-go landings. After the third touch-and-go landing, as the aircraft was climbing at approximately 300 feet above ground level, the student pilot turned off the electric fuel boost pump. Immediately afterward, the engine lost power.
The CFI turned the boost pump back on, but the fuel pressure gauge indicated zero. The CFI then took control of the aircraft and switched fuel tanks, but was unable to restart the engine. Subsequently, the CFI executed a forced landing in a corn field.
Landing and Damage
During the landing, the aircraft struck an irrigation ditch that was hidden from view by the corn stalks. The impact caused the nose landing gear and right main landing gear to collapse.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, the fuel selector was found positioned to the left fuel tank. The left fuel tank had ruptured during the impact. The right fuel tank was not damaged but was found to be empty.