Incident Overview
After completing three practice instrument approaches, the pilot prepared to return to the departure airport. During this phase of flight, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot initiated emergency procedures and attempted to return to the airport to make a forced landing.
Emergency Response
Upon realizing that the airplane would not be able to reach the runway, the pilot leveled the wings and raised the nose in preparation for impact with the ground. Following the impact, the airplane skidded to a stop.
Postaccident Inspection
A postaccident inspection of the aircraft revealed that the fuel selector was positioned to the left inboard fuel tank. Visual inspection of that tank indicated that it was low to empty. All fuel tanks were found to be intact, and there was no evidence of a fuel spill at the accident scene.