Accident Details
A flight instructor and a private pilot were conducting a flight review in an airplane. During the upwind leg of the third takeoff, at 800 ft mean sea level, the engine stopped producing power. The private pilot lowered the nose, and the engine resumed operation. However, on the right crosswind leg at 900 ft msl, the engine lost power again. The flight instructor, judging that the airplane did not have sufficient altitude to reach the runway, informed the air traffic control tower of their intention to land in a nearby field.
Preflight and Flight
Before the flight, the private pilot checked the fuel and noted that the levels in both tanks were below the tabs, with the right tank containing less fuel than the left. After departing, the pilots maneuvered locally, returned to the airport, landed, and taxied back for another takeoff. They completed two traffic pattern circuits before the engine failure occurred. The flight instructor later stated that she did not observe the private pilot's preflight inspection, did not know when the airplane was last refueled, and did not ask about fuel quantity before departure. Neither pilot attempted to switch from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank during the emergency.
Off-Airport Landing and Damage
During the off-airport landing, the airplane contacted an electric fence, spun approximately 180 degrees, and the nose landing gear sheared off. The airframe sustained substantial damage.
Engine and Fuel System Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have prevented normal operation. The fuel system was drained and examined: the fuel strainer bowl, the line from the strainer to the carburetor, and the carburetor float bowl contained no fuel. The right fuel tank held only about 1 pint of fuel, while the left tank contained about 3 gallons. Review of flight school records indicated that the airplane had flown 4.7 hours since its last refueling.