Flight History
The airplane was flown by a student and a certified flight instructor (CFI) on two separate flights totaling approximately 2.8 hours. During taxi after landing following the second flight, the CFI advised the student to fill the fuel tanks before flying solo in the traffic pattern. The student reported that while taxiing, the CFI looked at the fuel gauges and advised supplying fuel to the engine from the left tank because it had a greater amount of fuel. The airplane was not fueled before the student departed solo.
Incident Sequence
During the initial climb to remain in the traffic pattern, the engine sputtered. The student decreased the angle of attack, and engine power was restored. This sequence occurred three times, according to a witness located on the airport. After the third loss of power, engine power was not restored, and the airplane collided with trees, then the ground during a forced landing.
Postaccident Inspection
Postaccident inspection revealed the fuel selector was positioned to the left fuel tank, which was empty. The right fuel tank was approximately half full. The airplane was recovered without removal of the wings and transported to the airport, where the engine was started and operated without discrepancies to 1,000 rpm. Concern for internal engine damage precluded operation at higher rpm. Examination of the fuel gauges showed that with electrical power applied, the left fuel gauge "pegged full." The left fuel transmitter and left fuel gauge independently tested satisfactory. However, examination of the electrical wiring from the left fuel transmitter to the fuel gauge revealed a discrepancy with a connection near the wing root.