Incident Overview
A flight instructor and a student pilot were engaged in touch-and-go landing practice. After approximately one hour of flight, the engine lost power following a touch-and-go as the aircraft was climbing through an altitude of about 200 to 300 feet above ground level (AGL).
Maneuver and Impact
With a town and buildings ahead, the certified flight instructor (CFI) executed a 180-degree turn in an attempt to reach the only available field. The aircraft, however, mushed into trees before it could reach the intended landing area.
Fuel Examination
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel selector was positioned to the left fuel tank, which was empty. Fuel remained in the right main tank. Prior to departure, both the student and instructor had visually checked the fuel quantity. The CFI estimated that about 20 gallons of fuel were present at the start of the flight, with the left tank being the fullest (fuel level was just below the tabs in that tank). The flight was conducted using fuel from only the left tank.