Incident Details
A private pilot was practicing simulated instrument flight accompanied by his flight instructor in their mutually-owned airplane. During the flight, both engines ceased operation within minutes of each other due to fuel exhaustion. In the emergency descent that followed, the airplane struck trees before reaching the selected landing area. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; however, neither pilot was injured.
Preflight and Fuel Status
The flight instructor performed the preflight inspection and visually examined the fuel tanks prior to departure. At that time, the tanks were less than full, but the instructor believed that an adequate amount of fuel remained for the intended flight.
Pilot Reports
Both pilots reported that the fuel gauges indicated one-quarter full at the moment the engines stopped.