Accident Overview
A witness who observed the pilot preflighting the aircraft saw him drain fuel from the sumps to check for water but did not see him check the fuel level in the tanks. The pilot then taxied to the runway, performed an engine run-up, and took off. Shortly after lift-off, witnesses noted a loss of engine power. The aircraft descended in a left turn and collided with the ground less than one mile from the airport.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft disclosed a total of about one gallon of fuel aboard. Approximately one gallon was found in the left main and auxiliary tanks. No fuel was found in the right main or auxiliary tanks. There was no evidence of fuel leakage from the left wing, but an undetermined amount of fuel had leaked from the right tanks. The left fuel selector was found positioned to the left main tank; the right selector was positioned to the right auxiliary tank. The aircraft was placarded for takeoff by using the main tanks only.
Toxicology Results
Toxicology testing showed a blood alcohol level of 0.148% and a vitreous alcohol level of 0.003%. However, FAA tests were negative for alcohol in blood and urine, and a New Hampshire state test showed less than 0.01% in blood.