Accident Overview
During a local instructional flight, the certificated flight instructor (CFI) had completed a preflight inspection, noting approximately 18 gallons of fuel in each wing tank. While returning to the departure airport at the conclusion of the flight, the engine experienced a total loss of power.
Forced Landing
The CFI maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to a field while conducting the emergency landing checklist. However, the instructor did not change the fuel tank selector position during the emergency procedure. The airplane touched down in the field and subsequently impacted a row of trees, resulting in substantial damage to both wings.
Postaccident Findings
Following the accident, responders observed approximately 18 gallons of fuel in the left wing tank, while only about 8 ounces of fuel were drained from the right wing tank. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted a postaccident examination, during which a fuel line was plumbed to the engine. The inspector then started and ran the engine through all power settings with no anomalies observed.