Incident Overview
A private pilot, who had recently purchased the airplane, was conducting a local familiarization flight with a flight instructor. After approximately one hour of flight with the left inboard fuel tank selected, the pilot returned to the airport traffic pattern and performed two additional takeoffs. During the left downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine experienced a total loss of power.
Response and Landing
The pilot checked that the fuel pump was on while the flight instructor attempted to diagnose the power loss. The flight instructor then took control of the airplane and turned toward the runway. The airplane contacted the tops of some trees and landed on uneven terrain covered with tall grass and brush about 500 feet short of the runway.
Damage and Examination
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the firewall, fuselage, and wings. Before exiting the airplane, the pilot moved the fuel selector to the off position. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found that the left inboard fuel tank was absent of fuel, while the right inboard fuel tank was full.
Pilot Report and Comments
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated, "switched to the other fuel tank."