Accident Sequence
During a training flight, the student pilot was on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern. After crossing abeam the runway touchdown zone, the pilot intended to activate the carburetor heat but instead inadvertently shut off the fuel valve. Unaware of the mistake, the pilot continued the approach, believing the engine was operating at a reduced power setting.
Pilot Actions
As the airplane maneuvered onto final approach, the pilot noticed the aircraft was lower than normal and attempted to increase engine power. The engine did not respond to throttle movements. The pilot then observed that the carburetor heat control was not engaged. Suspecting carburetor icing, the pilot activated the carburetor heat. Despite this action, the engine still produced no response.
Forced Landing
With no engine power, the pilot executed a forced landing short of the intended runway. During the landing, the airplane collided with two trees. The impact resulted in substantial damage to both wings.
Aftermath
While securing the airplane after the accident, the pilot realized that he had inadvertently shut off the fuel valve earlier on the downwind leg instead of activating the carburetor heat. The pilot noted that both systems have similar push/pull control knobs located next to each other in the cockpit.