Accident Sequence
After completing a training flight, the aircraft was on final approach when another aircraft was still on the runway. The certified flight instructor (CFI) instructed the student pilot, who had about 30 hours of flight experience, to execute a go-around. Power was applied, and witnesses on the ground reported hearing the engine rev up normally. Approximately halfway down the runway at an altitude of about 200 feet, the engine sputtered. The CFI attempted a 180-degree turn back toward the runway. The aircraft struck fences and construction material before bursting into flames.
Fuel System Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the fuel selector was out of its detent but positioned on the left tank. The left tank had a capacity of 30 gallons, with 26 gallons usable. The aircraft had been topped off to 60 gallons total capacity and had flown for a total of about 4 hours, consuming approximately 8 gallons per hour. No fuel was found in the fuel manifold. The engine was test-run successfully after the accident. The left wing tank area showed less fire damage than the right wing area, which contained more fuel.
Pilot Statements
The student pilot recalled that the fuel selector had been on the left tank. The CFI stated that he thought it was on the right tank. The CFI also reported having no recollection of events after the engine quit, except for being in a helicopter on the way to a hospital.