Flight Instructor and their student reported they forgot to switch fuel tanks and the engine quit. They switched tanks and the engine started again.
Synopsis
Flight Instructor and their student reported they forgot to switch fuel tanks and the engine quit. They switched tanks and the engine started again.
Narrative
I was out flying with a former student who hadn't flown for a few months; trying to get him comfortable in a new aircraft. All of his previous experience was in 172's and this was a familiarization flight in the P28A for him. We preflighted the plane and verified there was full fuel in the plane before takeoff. We went out to the practice area and did some basic maneuvers and air work. After this was complete we went to ZZZ1 for pattern work. While in the pattern we discussed the need to switch tanks. I prefer to do this while in the pattern at an airport or within gliding distance of an airport. Something came up while in flight and we got side tracked and did not swap tanks. After we finished at ZZZ2 we decided to head back to our home airport of ZZZ. At about XA20 local time; when we were about 1/2 way between ZZZ3 and ZZZ; a precarious area because there aren't many options to land if there is an engine failure; and while in contact with ZZZ; our engine stopped running. I immediately thought we had run out of fuel on the one tank which was in fact the case. I took control of the aircraft; asked Student to swap tanks and immediately notified ZZZ Tower that we were having a problem with the engine. Student swapped tanks; but it was dark at this point and this was the first time he had done this especially in a high stress situation. I pointed the aircraft towards the nearest highway (best option I had) and pitched for best glide and began emergency procedures. The engine did not immediately restart. Once I had completed my emergency procedures and the engine still was not running I asked Student to check the switch again; he made another adjustment and the engine began running again. At this point we started to climb; contacted the Tower to let them know we were back operational; composed ourselves and headed back to ZZZ for a successful landing.Main takeaways. Be mindful of how much fuel is being used in each tank; and most importantly remember to swap tanks. Also; ensure that the person sitting closest to the Fuel selector valve has a clear understanding how it works. Also; be sure to have a flashlight readily available for events like this. Lighting was an issue for Student to be able to see the fuel selector knob or for me to be able to verify that it was in the correct location. Also; maintain the highest available altitude; especially at night to provide for the longest distance. This area between ZZZ3 and ZZZ is known by instructors for being a tricky area as you must stay below the Bravo shelf; yet there's not many places to put a plane down in an emergency; and even fewer when it's dark.
Second reporter narrative
I was flying with my friend and former flight instructor. I have not flown in a few months and was also trying to familiarize myself with a P28A. Before we flew we had a debrief and performed the necessary preflight checks paying attention that we had almost full tanks prior to take off. We flew from ZZZ to the practice area around a lake where I performed some basic maneuvers and utilized the Autopilot. After that we headed to ZZZ1 for some pattern work. I have most of my flight hours in a Skyhawk 172 and one of the main differences from a high wing and a low wing is the necessity to switch fuel tanks in a low wing which we were flying. My friend discussed he liked switching fuel tanks in the pattern since we would be in glide distance from the airport. As we were leaving ZZZ1 to head to ZZZ; we forgot to switch tanks as we were focusing on other task. At XA20 local time and about 7 miles from ZZZ our engine quit. My friend as the senior pilot took over the control. He then instructed me to switch the tanks which I quickly did but the engine didn't start. He initiated emergency landing protocol by pitching for best glide speed; picking a place to land and communicated with ZZZ Tower. He asked me again if I was sure the tanks were switched; I said I wasn't sure because I couldn't see well so I tried again as the engine began running again. As we started to climb; we let ZZZ know that we were operational; functional; and headed back for a safe landing. Reflecting back; I will never forget about switching tanks when flying a low wing aircraft. We were planning on landing before the sun went down but was delayed. Furthermore I will have lights ready when it gets dark as my initial attempt to switch the tank wasn't successful because I wasn't able to see clearly.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.