Accident Details
The pilot was conducting multiple Young Eagle flights, each lasting 10 to 15 minutes. On the fifth flight, after takeoff, as the airplane reached 300 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restore power by switching fuel tanks and verifying the fuel pump was on, but these actions were unsuccessful.
Pilot Actions
The pilot force-landed the airplane on the departure end of the runway. However, the airplane continued off the end of the runway and through a grassy overrun for about 100 yards before striking a fence. The impact substantially damaged both wings.
Fuel Management
The airplane was equipped with two main fuel tanks and two auxiliary fuel tanks. During the first four flights, the pilot used only fuel from the left main tank. Before the fifth flight, both auxiliary tanks and the right main tank were full, while the left main tank indicated 1/4 full. The pilot initially switched the fuel feed to the right main tank but then decided to use the remaining fuel in the left main tank and switched back before takeoff.
Postflight Examination
Postflight examination of the left fuel tank revealed no fuel in the tank. The pilot reported that there were no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane.