Accident Overview
A flight instructor was providing instruction to a private pilot in a vintage tailwheel airplane. The instructor occupied the rear seat, while the private pilot sat in the front. During the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern, the instructor directed the private pilot to apply carburetor heat. The carburetor heat knob and fuel selector handle were located in close proximity behind the private pilot. The private pilot inadvertently moved the fuel selector handle instead of the carburetor heat knob.
Sequence of Events
The flight instructor moved the fuel selector handle back to its correct position and assumed control of the airplane to demonstrate a touch-and-go landing. During the subsequent initial climb, at approximately 50 to 100 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power. The instructor performed a forced landing into trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
Post-Accident Examination
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. He added that it was possible he did not reposition the fuel selector handle to the correct position after the private pilot's inadvertent movement. A mechanic subsequently examined the fuel selector handle and determined that the fuel valve operated normally.
Probable Cause
Given this information, it is likely that the flight instructor failed to position the fuel selector handle correctly, which subsequently resulted in total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.