What happened
During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power at approximately 200 feet above the tree line. At the time of the power loss, a student pilot was at the controls.
The certified flight instructor (CFI) took control of the aircraft and attempted to execute a 180-degree turn to return to the downwind departure runway to perform a forced landing. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck trees and underwent an uncontrolled descent onto upslope ground.
At the time of the accident, reported winds were 310 degrees at 11 knots. The occupants were not injured.
The investigation
Investigation into the engine failure revealed that the event was caused by fuel exhaustion. Records showed that the aircraft had flown for 3.5 hours since its last refueling and had not been refueled prior to this flight.
Upon examination of the fuel system, investigators found no evidence of fuel spillage from the ruptured right tank. Only eight ounces of fuel were recovered from the left tank, which was the tank selected for use.