Accident Narrative
The airplane had been airborne for just over 4 hours and was nearing the destination airport when the engine sputtered. The pilot switched from the left fuel tank to the right fuel tank, and the engine restarted. The certified flight instructor (CFI) then declared a low fuel state to the TRACON controller.
About 8 miles from the airport, the engine sputtered and then quit. The CFI took control of the airplane, attempted an unsuccessful engine restart, and performed a forced landing in a field.
Post-Accident Inspection
A sheriff's deputy who responded to the accident site visually checked the fuel tanks and noted that they were both empty. The deputy further indicated that no fuel was observed leaking from the airplane or observed on the ground.
The airplane was inspected on-scene. The fuel tanks and all system lines were intact. No fuel was found in lines from the gascolator to the carburetor.
Pilot Statement
The flight instructor said in his written statement that the fuel burn was according to his preflight calculations.