Primary finding
Probable cause
Fuel starvation due to improper fuel system management by both pilots and the failure of the flight instructor to adequately supervise the conduct of the flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor and a private pilot departed on a two hour flight for an aircraft check out and instrument dual instruction. Both pilots reported to FAA inspectors and oakland police officers that during the flight they neglected to switch fuel tanks and inadvertently ran the left fuel tank dry while on final approach to runway 27r. The engine could not be restarted in time and the instructor landed the aircraft on a golf course and collided with ground obstructions. An FAA inspector examined the aircraft and found the left fuel tank was empty and the right tank contained about 20 gallons of fuel. This was the first flight in this type of aircraft by the private pilot.
Source record
Factual narrative
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