Accident Overview
An aircraft experienced a power loss during takeoff. The pilot attempted to return to the airport by executing a left bank described as between 60 and 90 degrees. The aircraft subsequently stalled and impacted terrain approximately 1300 feet east of the takeoff point.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the fuel system was conducted. The fuel pump was tested on a flow bench; during the initial test, it failed to pump fuel. Upon disassembly, the vapor separator tower coverplate was removed, revealing a foreign object obstructing the orifice of the vapor ejector. Additionally, particles of a black substance were observed floating within the separator tower. When the fuel was poured onto a white towel, the particles discolored the towel in a manner consistent with graphite. After cleaning the vapor tower and ejector orifice, the pump operated normally in subsequent tests.
Fuel System Condition
The presence of the foreign object and graphite-like particles indicates contamination within the fuel system. The blockage in the vapor ejector orifice likely prevented proper fuel flow, correlating with the power loss reported during the takeoff attempt.