Accident Description
Witnesses reported that after taking off, the aircraft climbed to approximately 200 feet above ground level. The engine then changed sound, followed by popping and backfiring. All engine sounds ceased, and the aircraft descended rapidly to a grassy area of the airport. The aircraft landed with the landing gear and flaps fully retracted. It slid approximately 180 feet from initial impact to a stop, rotating 180 degrees during the slide and ending facing the opposite direction.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination revealed that all engine controls were in the full forward position. The engine fuel selector was positioned on the right tank. The aircraft was raised and the fuel tanks were drained. The right fuel tank contained about one cup of fuel, while the left tank contained approximately 25 gallons. No breaks or leaks were found in the fuel system. The fuel lines and the fuel control unit contained no fuel.
Fuel Records
The aircraft was last serviced with fuel on April 16, 1985, the day before the accident. The pilot stated that no fuel was added on April 17, the day of the accident.