Accident Details
During a familiarization flight intended to provide the front-seat pilot with experience in the aircraft make and model, a complete power loss occurred shortly after takeoff. The flight was being conducted with a rear-seat check-out pilot supervising the front-seat pilot.
Preflight fuel quantity checks were performed using only the fuel quantity gauges. The left tank indicated half full, but neither pilot recalled the indication from the right tank. After departure, at an altitude of approximately 150 feet, the engine lost all power.
Flight Sequence
The check pilot unbuckled their restraint system and moved forward to switch the fuel tank selector (the original selector position was not specified) and activate the fuel boost pump. Both controls were accessible to the front-seat pilot, who had initiated a turn back toward the airport. However, insufficient altitude remained to complete the maneuver.
Outcome
The aircraft was force-landed into an area of small trees and shrubs. The source does not specify any injuries or damage beyond the forced landing itself.