Student pilot and Instructor flying PA-28 aircraft reported engine power loss due to fuel starvation and successfully landed on the reverse runway.
Synopsis
Student pilot and Instructor flying PA-28 aircraft reported engine power loss due to fuel starvation and successfully landed on the reverse runway.
Narrative
Fuel starvation caused by a multitude of events. Left tank seemed to have a leak during preflight- made sure the sump was tightened to prevent any further issue. Likely took off on the left tank (~17 gallons) while right tank was full (25 gallons). Student was near checkride ready; so it was more of an observation flight as a CFI. Student was not paying attention when the GPS message popped up every 30 minutes to change tanks. We did burn off the right tank for 30 minutes; but the rest had to have been on the left tank. I noticed the message as we were around 5 miles out from the ZZZ and decided to let him finish his approach in and point it out after landing and getting ready for a few trips in the traffic pattern. We ended up going around once because he didn't like his approach. The second trip around we had an extended pattern and good separation between the aircraft we were following. They ended up taking a further exit off the Runway which forced another go around. I thought the engine coughed because the Student slammed full power in after missing the go around call from Tower; so I took the radio call and told him he was told to go around. We get up maybe around 700 AGL when the engine starts coughing more and my only immediate response was fuel pump on until I realized we just need to land safely. The go around was from 27R; we requested priority handling and landed on 09R. We got down safely and the engine was fully dead when we attempted to turn off the Runway. The fuel pump made loud and unusual noises; so I decided not to attempt a further restart. I think the shock of what just happened set in so I decided to get a tug back to the Ramp. For future lessons; I will ensure students verbally say which tank they change to and verify the fullest tank. I will also be watching even more closely for the GPS messages to change tanks - I had seen them; but the student had not. It will be drilled into their heads.
Second reporter narrative
On final approach; Tower asked if a go around could be performed. Upon climb out; we experienced loss of engine. A decision was made to return to 09R. Landing was made without further incident
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.