Accident Details
On September 10, 2014, at about 2021 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, registration N63835, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees and terrain following a total loss of engine power on approach to Spruce Creek Airport (7FL6), Spruce Creek, Florida. The flight instructor/owner and the commercial-rated pilot receiving instruction sustained minor injuries. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a composite VFR/IFR flight plan was filed for the instructional flight, conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Flight Information
The purpose of the flight was to log instrument approaches for the pilot receiving instruction. The pilot receiving instruction stated he did not have a checklist for the airplane and relied on the instructor's knowledge for preflight. He reported fuel tanks were "almost full" prior to departure, and the instructor told him the available fuel would provide 6 hours of endurance. The airplane departed 7FL6 at 1657 for West Palm Beach (PBI) and Vero Beach (VRB), performing touch-and-go landings at both airports before returning. On final approach to 7FL6, the engine stopped producing power. The instructor attempted an engine restart and maintained best glide speed until impact.
Fuel Selector Events
The pilot receiving instruction stated the fuel selector was in the "Both" position throughout the flight. On final approach, he noticed the selector had been moved to the "Right" tank position and returned it to "Both." Shortly after, the engine lost power. The instructor stated that on final approach, the pilot inadvertently selected the "Off" position when moving from "Right," causing the engine to quit.
Fuel and Flight Planning
Multiple one-leg flight plans were filed, each with an estimated fuel endurance of 3 hours 20 minutes. The airplane was not refueled at any stop. The instructor/owner reported 30 gallons of fuel on board at departure. The airplane's fuel capacity was 43 gallons (40 usable). Fuel consumption at 66% power was 7.4 gallons per hour; fuel required for multiple full-power takeoffs and climbs was not computed. Post-accident examination revealed the left wing tank empty and the right wing tank containing about 3 gallons of fuel.
Wreckage and Engine Examination
The wreckage was examined by an FAA inspector. The right wing was separated; the cabin and empennage were damaged. Control continuity was established, and no preimpact mechanical anomalies were found. A test run of the engine using fuel from the right wing tank showed the engine started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously with no anomalies.
Pilot Information
The instructor held a flight instructor certificate with single-engine and instrument ratings. His most recent FAA first-class medical was issued July 3, 2013, reporting 250 hours; at interview he reported about 314 total hours, with 212 hours in the accident model. The pilot receiving instruction held a commercial certificate with single-engine, multiengine, and instrument ratings; his most recent first-class medical was issued July 15, 2011.
Weather and Airport Information
At 2053, weather at Daytona Beach (DAB), 6 miles west, was: few clouds at 2,400 feet, visibility 10 miles, temperature 27°C, dew point 23°C, altimeter 30.03 inHg, wind 080° at 6 knots.