Background
A certified flight instructor (CFI) conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane, visually checking the fuel tanks and confirming the readings with the cockpit gauges. The airplane had been fueled on April 19, 1999, with 12.4 gallons of 100 low lead aviation gasoline, which filled the 26-gallon fuel tanks to capacity. According to invoices from the operator, the airplane had been flown four times prior to the accident flight, accumulating 5.5 hours of Hobbs meter time.
Flight
After departure, the flight proceeded uneventfully for approximately 30 minutes. At that point, the engine lost power. The CFI maneuvered the airplane toward an open grass field and executed a forced landing.
Examination
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no signs of fuel stains on the airframe or engine. Maintenance personnel removed a jar containing 4 ounces of clear liquid with a blue tint, similar to aviation low lead fuel, from the fuel strainer. The sample did not contain any water. When the wings were removed from the airframe, no fuel was observed in the wing tanks.
Fuel Records
Fuel records indicated that the airplane was fueled with 12.4 gallons of 100 low lead aviation gasoline on April 19, 1999, filling the 26-gallon tanks. The operator's invoices showed the airplane was flown four times prior to the accident, totaling 5.5 hours of Hobbs time.