Flight Details
The pilot reported having 52 gallons of fuel on board when departing El Paso, Texas, for a practice cross-country flight to Roswell, New Mexico. After completing two practice Instrument Landing System (ILS) approaches at Roswell, the pilot began climbing toward the Roswell VORTAC as part of the return leg to El Paso.
Engine Failure
While climbing through 4,500 feet mean sea level (MSL), the engine lost power. The pilot immediately turned back toward Roswell, established a glide, and declared an emergency. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful.
Landing
Recognizing that altitude was insufficient to reach the airport, the pilot intentionally touched down with the landing gear retracted on soft, uneven terrain. The aircraft came to rest on its belly.
Post-Accident Examination
Inspection of the aircraft after the accident found the fuel selector positioned between the OFF and RIGHT tank detents. The fuel supply line was disconnected. When the master and boost pump switches were turned on, no fuel flowed from the line. Switching the fuel selector fully to the RIGHT tank still produced no fuel. However, when the selector was turned to the LEFT tank, fuel poured from the disconnected line. Examination of the intact fuel tanks revealed that the left tank contained fuel, while the right tank had none.