Accident Details
An instrument-rated private pilot, who was working toward a commercial certificate, was conducting an instrument cross-country flight in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with a safety pilot. The accident flight was the second and return leg of the instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country. During the final approach, the airplane's altitude was low, and the pilot added power by moving the throttle, but "nothing happened." The safety pilot, seated in the right seat, took the controls and executed a forced landing on a highway. During the landing, the airplane struck a vehicle. Both pilots reported that they were unsure why the engine lost power.
Preflight Details
The private pilot reported that the airplane had been "topped off" with fuel prior to the initial flight, which was about 181 nautical miles to the destination. Before the return leg, the pilot visually checked the fuel quantity in each tank and stated that "it was at the tabs." She also completed a fuel sample, and then they departed for the return flight.
Post-Accident Examination
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector who performed the post-accident examination, the fuel tank selector was found set to the left tank. The fuel pump and carburetor float bowl each contained less than an ounce of fuel. The left wing tank contained no usable fuel, and there was no sign of fuel on the ground after the impact. The right wing tank contained about 12 gallons of fuel. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.
Emergency Procedure Reference
According to the manufacturer's Pilot Operator Handbook, Chapter 3, the first step of the "Engine Power Loss In Flight" emergency procedure states: "Fuel Selector…………………switch to tank containing fuel."