Incident Overview
A student pilot conducting an unsupervised solo local flight experienced a loss of engine power during the final approach phase. The airplane subsequently crashed into trees just short of the runway. The flight had a total duration of approximately one hour, during which the student pilot had performed several touch-and-go landings prior to the power loss.
Pre-Flight and Fuel Status
The student pilot reported estimating the fuel tanks to be about half full during the preflight inspection. However, the operator's post-crash examination of the airplane found no fuel remaining in the fuel tanks. The airplane had been operated for a total of 4.6 hours since its last refueling.
Previous Flight Fuel Indications
The operator noted that the pilot who flew the airplane on the previous flight reported that, at the end of that flight, the left fuel quantity gauge indicated 5 gallons remaining, while the right fuel quantity gauge indicated less than 5 gallons remaining.
Conclusion
The investigation into the accident concluded that the engine power loss occurred during final approach, leading to the airplane's collision with trees. The post-crash examination revealed no fuel remaining in the tanks, consistent with the airplane's extended operation since refueling.