Flight Purpose and Route
The purpose of the flight was an IFR cross-country training flight for an instrument student, with a CFI and private pilot aboard. The planned route was from Naples to Miami, Opa Locka, Vero Beach, and return to Naples.
Flight Progression
The aircraft climbed to 5,000 feet en route to Miami. As they approached Miami, they were vectored around thunderstorms in the area. They continued to Vero Beach, where they performed a full VOR approach. After the approach, they were vectored for 15 to 20 minutes before being cleared to Fort Myers. At Fort Myers, they requested an ILS approach into Page Field but later cancelled the request and headed to Naples. They then requested vectors to final for the NDB 23 approach at Naples.
Engine Trouble and Forced Landing
A few minutes after being handed off to Naples Tower, the aircraft experienced engine trouble. The CFI took control of the airplane and performed a forced landing into a field located 7 miles northeast of the airport.
Fuel Examination
Examination of the fuel tanks after the forced landing revealed that the right fuel tank contained 1/8 inch of fuel when measured with a ruler, and the left fuel tank contained 1/2 inch of fuel. Neither fuel tank sustained damage during the forced landing.
Aircraft Fuel Capacity
According to the airplane's owner, the aircraft holds 24 gallons of fuel and has a flight duration of 4.0 hours when the tanks are topped off.