Accident Summary
An aircraft crashed in a wooded residential area after experiencing a loss of engine power during takeoff. The accident sequence began shortly after departure, when the engine failed to maintain thrust. The aircraft subsequently descended and impacted terrain in a residential zone characterized by wooded surroundings.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the airframe and powerplant was conducted. Inspection disclosed that automotive-grade fuel had been used in the aircraft, contrary to typical aviation fuel specifications. Laboratory analysis of the fuel sample indicated that it had been subjected to high temperatures, which caused evaporation of approximately 50 percent of the fuel volume. The remaining substance consisted primarily of fuel additives, with the volatile components largely removed.
Carburetor Examination
Further inspection focused on the carburetor, which was found to be equipped with a molded cellular fibre float. Laboratory tests on this float component demonstrated that it was capable of absorbing fuel and had apparently done so during operation. As a result of the fuel absorption, the float lost buoyancy and sank within the carburetor bowl. This condition likely impaired proper fuel metering and contributed to the power loss, though the investigation did not explicitly establish a causal chain.
The findings highlight the presence of degraded automotive fuel and a malfunctioning carburetor float, both of which were identified during the post-accident analysis.