Overview
A student pilot departed on a local flight and remained in the traffic pattern to practice landings. After approximately two hours of flight, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing to rising terrain; during the landing, the airplane struck a fence, which ruptured the left fuel tank. A small fuel spill was observed on the ground.
Fuel System Examination
Following the accident, the fuel selector was found selected to the right tank. The right tank was intact and contained 18 ounces of fuel. The left tank had been ruptured.
Flight History
Records indicate that after the airplane was last refueled, it was flown on a local flight for 2.2 hours prior to the student pilot's accident flight. The student pilot stated that he was aware of this previous flight.
Pilot Reports
The student pilot reported that during his preflight inspection, he determined there was sufficient fuel onboard for three hours of flight. He also reported that he did not track fuel quantity by referencing the fuel gauges. When electrical power was applied to the airplane, both fuel gauges indicated empty tanks.