Overview
A flight instructor reported that a student pilot conducted a preflight inspection and taxied the airplane to the fuel pump. The instructor then added 21.4 gallons of fuel, topping off the tanks. The student pilot subsequently taxied to runway 07, performed an engine runup, and departed.
Accident Sequence
After departure, the student pilot made at least one touch-and-go landing. The instructor observed that during the final third of the runway, the nose of the airplane dipped twice before the student turned the airplane to the left in an attempt to return to the runway. Another witness reported hearing the engine sputter and spit. Power was restored for approximately two to three seconds, then the engine sputtered three to four more times before becoming silent. The airplane then banked to the left, lost altitude, and nosed into the ground.
Pilot Statement
The student pilot later confirmed that the engine had lost power shortly after takeoff.
Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that the fuel selector was positioned on the left tank, and fuel was leaking from compromised fuel tanks. The engine was disassembled and examined. Internal gear and valve train continuity was confirmed. The electrical, fuel, lubrication, and exhaust systems were also disassembled and inspected. No anomalies were noted in any of these systems.