Accident Sequence
According to the Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) involved, he and the pilot departed the airport for a local personal flight. While returning to the airport, the engine surged and then shut down. The pilot stated, "we're out of gas," and the CFI assumed control of the airplane. After clearing an approximately 50-foot-high tree line, the CFI felt that the landing area was a little smaller than he wished. During the landing sequence, the right wing and nose wheel impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the wing spar and firewall.
Post-Accident Findings
The CFI reported that there were no preexisting mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He also stated that he did not perform a preflight inspection of the airplane prior to the flight and did not check the fuel level. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident reported that the fuel tanks were empty and that there was no sign of fuel around the accident location.