Incident Overview
A commercial pilot was conducting night currency training at an airport located 10 miles east of the departure point. The pilot reported performing touch-and-go landings when, while on the downwind leg, the airplane's engine lost power. Unable to reach the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing in trees.
Pilot Actions
According to the pilot, the airplane had been fueled prior to the departure. After the engine lost power, the pilot switched fuel tanks in an attempt to restore power. Despite this action, the airplane could not maintain altitude and collided with trees.
Damage
The pilot stated that the airplane sustained damage to the wings and fuselage during the collision with trees. No other damage was reported.
Pilot's Remarks
The pilot noted that a more thorough preflight inspection of the fuel tanks and verification of which tank the engine was operating on might have prevented the accident.