Flight Sequence
The flight involved a commercial pilot and a certified flight instructor (CFI). Before departure, the commercial pilot checked the right wing fuel tanks and reported fuel present. The CFI checked the left tanks and noted the tip tank was full and the main tank was down about 1 1/2 inches. The flight included a half-hour local flight, one touch and go, and one go-around.
Fuel Tank Selection
While on the downwind leg, the commercial pilot switched fuel selection from the left main tank to the right main tank. Immediately, the CFI observed a zero fuel indication. As the CFI was switching to another tank, a loss of engine power occurred. The CFI then switched back to the left main tank, and engine power was restored.
Terrain Contact
At the moment power was restored, the airplane contacted the terrain short of the runway. The aircraft came to rest in an area off the runway.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, an inspection of the airplane revealed that the right main fuel tank was empty. No other fuel system anomalies were reported.