Incident Details
Approximately 2.7 hours after takeoff, a student pilot and a certified flight instructor (CFI) were practicing instrument approaches when the engine lost power. The CFI assumed control of the aircraft and performed a forced landing. The aircraft sustained damage while landing on rough terrain.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the right fuel tank contained about 0.5 gallons of fuel, while the left tank held approximately 30 gallons. The fuel selector was found in the right tank position. The aircraft had been flown for about 4.3 hours since its last refueling. During that period, the right tank had been used for approximately 3.5 hours. Additionally, the right tank was used for the entire duration of the accident flight.
Fuel Management
The fuel selector position and the disparity in fuel quantities between the right and left tanks indicate that the engine power loss likely resulted from fuel starvation from the right tank. No further causal factors were identified in the source.