Engine Failure During Student Pilot Approach (N5920P)

Accident Sequence and Immediate Actions During the accident flight, the pilot receiving flight instruction was on approach for landing at 200 feet and 1/2 mile from the end of the runway when the engine quit. The certified flight instructor (CFI) took over the controls, switched the fuel tanks, and attempted an engine restart with negative results. The CFI stated he raised the flaps and landing gear, and the airplane collided with trees and the ground. Neither the pilot receiving instruction nor the CFI could remember what fuel tank they had started the accident flight on. ## Post-Accident Examination and Testing Examination of the airplane revealed the right wing was detached at the wing root. The right fuel tank was not ruptured and no fuel was present on the ground. Five gallons of fuel was recovered from the right wing. The pilot and CFI estimated they had 26 gallons in each fuel tank upon departure. The airplane flight manual indicates the airplane will hold 30 gallons in each fuel tank. The left fuel tank was not ruptured and no fuel was present in the fuel tank or ground. The landing gear was down. All linkage from the throttle, mixture, and propeller controls to the engine was intact and operable. The airplane was recovered for further examination. The left and right fuel tanks were filled with water and no leaks were observed. The propeller was removed and a test propeller installed. A fuel line from an external fuel source was connected at the left and right fuel finger screens, and the selector valve in the airplane was placed in the left and right fuel position for each engine start. The engine started in both positions, ran, and developed power.