Incident
A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a training flight. According to the instructor, the aircraft departed with 21 gallons of fuel onboard. Approximately 1.3 hours after takeoff, as the student turned the aircraft onto final approach for landing, the engine lost power. The instructor immediately assumed control and executed a forced landing on a river bank, short of the runway. Just before touchdown, the aircraft struck a tree. After landing, the aircraft came to rest in the river, nose down, in 1 to 2 feet of water.
Investigation
Post-accident examination revealed no preimpact mechanical failure or malfunction of the aircraft or its components. No evidence of part failure was found.
Fuel Information
According to the pilot's operating handbook, the engine consumes 12 gallons of fuel per hour at 65% power at 8,000 feet. The student stated that the aircraft had flown 4 hours since the fuel tanks were last topped off. The aircraft's total usable fuel capacity is 55 gallons.