Summary
An airplane conducting touch-and-go landings experienced an engine unresponsive condition on final approach, leading to a forced landing into trees short of the runway. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were alternating flying duties during the practice.
Flight Details
The flight departed with fuel tanks half full. After three touch-and-go landings, the pilot moved the fuel selector from the left main tank to the right main tank. On the sixth approach, the pilot-rated passenger was controlling the airplane. While turning onto final, the passenger reduced the throttle to idle and turned the carburetor heat off. On approximately a half-mile final, the airplane descended below the glidepath and drifted to the right. At that time, the pilot was looking out to the left and rear.
Forced Landing
The passenger applied throttle to correct the descent rate, but the engine did not respond. The passenger alerted the pilot, who took control and attempted a restart: he positioned the fuel selector to the left main tank, ensured the fuel pump was on, and cycled the ignition and throttle. The engine did not restart, and the pilot performed a forced landing into trees about 500 feet short of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Fuel was present in both main tanks, the fuel selector, and the carburetor bowl.
Pilot Experience
The pilot-rated passenger reported that his biannual flight review was expired, he had no flight experience in the preceding 12 months, and no experience in the make and model of the accident airplane.
Handbook Reference
The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) notes that the ability to estimate glide distance is fundamental to power-off accuracy approaches and landings, and determines the maneuvering possible from a given altitude, requiring proper glide maintenance during maneuvering.