Incident Overview
A private pilot and a flight instructor were completing a cross-country flight. As they prepared for landing, the instructor directed the pilot to select the left fuel tank following the prelanding checklist. During the turn to final, the pilot reported that the engine had quit. The certified flight instructor (CFI) immediately took control of the aircraft, confirmed the engine was not producing power, and identified a suitable landing area to the right. The aircraft was then landed with the landing gear retracted in an open field.
Flight Details
Both occupants were on a cross-country flight when the engine malfunction occurred. No prior indications of mechanical issues had been noted. The CFI instructed the pilot to switch to the left fuel tank, suggesting a fuel management procedure typical for landing. However, the engine lost power shortly thereafter. No further details about the aircraft's type, registration, or flight conditions were reported.
Post-Landing Inspection
After the incident, an examination of the aircraft revealed a significant fuel imbalance. The right fuel tank contained approximately 11 gallons of fuel, while the left tank held about 22 gallons. This discrepancy indicates that the fuel selector may have been positioned on a tank with insufficient fuel, but the source does not explicitly state whether fuel starvation caused the power loss. No additional damage or injuries were reported in the source.