Incident Overview
A flight instructor and a student were conducting a local instrument training flight. The instructor failed to refuel the airplane prior to or during the flight. During the final practice instrument approach, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The instructor executed a forced landing in a residential area. During the landing, the airplane struck a street sign.
Pilot Statement
The flight instructor reported that he forgot to refuel the airplane because he was feeling tired and was distracted by his critique of the student's flying performance. No other factors were mentioned.
Sequence of Events
The training flight proceeded normally until the last approach. No anomalies were noted until the engine stopped. The instructor took control and selected a landing area among houses. The impact with the street sign occurred during the landing roll or touchdown.
Investigation Findings
The primary cause of the power loss was fuel exhaustion due to the instructor's failure to refuel. The instructor's fatigue and distraction were cited as reasons for the oversight. No mechanical issues with the engine or fuel system were reported.