Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of 50 to 75 feet, the aircraft's engine ceased operation. The pilot executed a forced landing in a plowed field. The aircraft was subsequently removed from the field and examined later by an FAA airworthiness inspector.
Inspection Findings
During the post-incident inspection, the fuel tank was found to be empty. Additionally, the gascolator was discovered to be broken off. A small amount of automotive fuel was present in the carburetor, despite the pilot stating that the aircraft had been refueled with aviation gasoline (av-gas).
Component Examination
The carburetor and magnetos were removed and subjected to bench testing. Both components operated within the manufacturer's specified parameters, indicating no mechanical malfunction in those systems.
Conclusion
The investigation identified an empty fuel tank, a broken gascolator, and the presence of automotive fuel in the carburetor, but no single causal factor was explicitly stated in the official report.