Accident Summary
An aircraft sustained a power failure while taking off from a private grass strip. The loss of power occurred approximately 20 feet above ground level during the initial climb. The aircraft was on a takeoff roll from a private grass strip when the incident occurred.
Witness Statement
A witness observed the takeoff and reported hearing the engine spit and pop during the takeoff roll. The witness likened the sound to an old pickup truck running out of gas. The witness's description indicates the engine's behavior was consistent with fuel starvation.
Post-Accident Examination
Following the accident, a mechanic examined the carburetor bowl. The bowl contained a small amount of fuel, with no visible trash or water. The fuel system was further inspected by draining the tanks. The left fuel tank was found to contain between one-third and one-half full of fuel. The right fuel tank held approximately seven quarts of fuel, with about six drops of water present. The seven quarts were collected after the wing was removed from the aircraft to facilitate draining.
Rescue personnel who responded to the scene reported that they had turned off the fuel selector. At the time of their arrival, the fuel selector was positioned to the right tank.
Operator's Fuel Management Procedure
The operator's standard fuel management procedure calls for using half of one tank, then switching to the opposite tank and running it until dry. The procedure as described does not specify the order of tank usage or the method to determine fuel quantity in each tank.
Summary of Findings
The engine power failure occurred during takeoff. The right fuel tank, which was selected, contained a relatively small amount of fuel (seven quarts) and a trace of water. The left tank contained a larger quantity of fuel. The carburetor bowl had only a small amount of fuel with no contaminants.