Incident Overview
A student pilot departed from his home airport to conduct practice maneuvers. Prior to the initial departure, the pilot noted that one fuel tank was full while the other was approximately 1.5 inches below capacity. The pilot conducted flight training exercises near the home airport for a duration of about two hours.
Flight Sequence and Emergency
Upon returning to the airport after the first session, the pilot did not refuel the aircraft. He subsequently departed again to continue practicing maneuvers, which lasted for approximately 2.2 hours. While on the final approach back to the airport, the engine lost all power. The pilot attempted to divert to a closer airport and glide in for a landing but was unable to reach it.
Outcome and Investigation Findings
The aircraft executed a forced landing in a field located about half a mile from the intended diversion airport. During the impact, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that there was no fuel present in the fuel tanks or in the immediate vicinity of the crash site.