Accident Overview
The pilot of a single-engine airplane reported that, after performing a touch-and-go landing, the engine lost power at about 500 feet above ground level. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but due to dark conditions, the airplane landed short of the runway. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane flipped over.
Damage and Inspection
The accident resulted in structural damage to the engine firewall, the fuselage, and the vertical stabilizer. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found that the right fuel tank was empty of fuel and was not breached. The pilot stated that the main fuel selector was positioned to the right tank when the engine lost power.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure during the accident flight.