What happened
The aircraft performed an emergency landing off the airport runway after the engine ceased operation during the initial climb phase. Prior to departure, the pilot had loaded approximately half a tank of fuel into both the left and right wing tanks. For the takeoff roll, the pilot selected the right-hand tank as the primary fuel source.
During the ground roll, the pilot executed a 180-degree left turn on the runway, likely to align with the desired heading before accelerating for lift-off. As the aircraft climbed to approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine suddenly stopped. No further mechanical failures were identified that could explain the power loss.
The investigation
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintenance inspector examined the circumstances surrounding the event. The investigation focused on the fuel system dynamics during the turn. It was determined that when fuel is drawn from a tank located on the outside of a turn, centrifugal force pushes the fuel away from the engine pickup point.
Because the right tank was only half full and situated on the outside of the left-hand turn, the fuel sloshed outward. This movement created an interruption in the fuel supply line, allowing an air bubble to form. When this air bubble reached the carburetor, it caused a momentary loss of fuel flow, resulting in engine stoppage.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the interruption of fuel flow due to fuel starvation. The combination of a partially filled right-hand tank and a tight left turn on the ground created conditions where centrifugal force moved the fuel away from the engine's intake. This left an air gap in the fuel line, which led to engine failure at a critical altitude.
No other mechanical defects or operational errors were found to have contributed to the event.