What happened
The pilot initiated a takeoff and began the climb phase when the aircraft experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power. Unable to maintain altitude or return to the departure airport, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing in the surrounding area. Upon completion of the forced landing, the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators reviewed the circumstances leading up to the power failure. The pilot provided a statement regarding the fuel system configuration at the time of the event. The pilot indicated that the fuel selector valve was not correctly positioned on an active tank. Specifically, the selector was either placed entirely within the left tip tank or situated in the intermediate position between the left tip tank and the left main tank selection points.
Findings
The total loss of power was directly linked to the fuel system configuration. The improper positioning of the fuel selector prevented adequate fuel flow to the engine, resulting in fuel exhaustion during a critical phase of flight. This mechanical oversight led to the forced landing and subsequent substantial damage to the airframe.