What happened
The accident sequence began when the pilot aborted an initial takeoff attempt because the engine power unexpectedly dropped to idle despite the throttle being fully open. After allowing the engine to run for approximately 30 seconds during a ground run-up, the pilot decided to initiate a second takeoff attempt. During this subsequent climbout, the aircraft lost engine power again at an altitude of roughly 200 feet above ground level.
In response to the power failure, the pilot attempted to execute a 180-degree turn to return to the runway area. During this maneuver, the horizontal stabilizer struck a tree limb located near the runway. The impact caused the aircraft to hit the ground hard on its right main landing gear.
The investigation
Investigation of the fuel system revealed that the aircraft had not been topped off after its previous flight. The right fuel tank had previously been capped to prevent leaking, which prevented the retrieval of fuel samples from that specific tank during pre-flight inspections. Prior to the accident flight, ten gallons of fuel were added to each tank. The tank selector was positioned on the right tank for takeoff.
Post-accident examination of the fuel system found no water or contaminants. No mechanical reason for the engine malfunction could be identified. It was noted that the aircraft had not flown since October 1982.
Findings
Contributing factors included the lack of a topped-off fuel tank after the previous flight and the capping of the right fuel tank, which impeded pre-flight sampling. The engine failure occurred during critical phases of takeoff and climbout, leading to the hard landing.