Incident Overview
A pilot performed a forced landing after experiencing a loss of engine power during initial climb. The aircraft's fuel tanks, each with a capacity of 16 gallons, had been topped off two hours prior to the flight. A fuel receipt showed 16.6 gallons added, but the refueler recalled adding approximately 8 gallons per tank.
Preflight and Post-Crash Findings
During preflight inspection, the pilot checked the fuel visually and on the gauges. Following the crash, the operator reported finding only residual fuel forward of the fuel selector, consistent with engine fuel starvation. Measurements showed 16 gallons in the right tank and 3 gallons in the left tank. No leaks were found in the fuel system. An engine test run was performed and results were normal.
Conflicting Reports
The reported facts are in conflict regarding the full fuel condition and the finding of 3 gallons in the left tank with no leaks. Analysis could not produce a scenario that fits all reported facts, even considering the possibility that an undetected post-crash fuel leak drained the left tank to 3 gallons. The extreme density altitude of 9,500 feet was apparently not a factor.
Conclusion
The power loss was determined to be due to engine fuel starvation, but the reason for the starvation remains undetermined.