Incident Overview
An instructional flight ended in a forced landing approximately 20 feet short of the intended runway, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot aboard both sustained injuries.
Sequence of Events
During the final approach segment, the airplane was configured with an idle power setting and 10 degrees of flaps. When the throttle was advanced from its idle setting, no engine power was noted. The CFI had previously noted twice the need to switch fuel tanks before the accident.
Fuel System Examination
Post-accident examination of the fuel system revealed that the left fuel tank was empty, while the right fuel tank contained usable fuel.
Injuries
The CFI received minor facial injuries, and the student pilot sustained serious facial injuries.
Aircraft Equipment
The airplane was not equipped with shoulder harnesses due to its certification basis. A supplemental type certificate was available for the installation of shoulder harnesses on the accident make and model airplane.