What happened
The aircraft departed on a flight that ended in a crash shortly after takeoff. During the initial climb phase, the plane lost engine power at an altitude of approximately 350 to 400 feet above ground level. The pilot described the event as feeling like the throttle was suddenly pulled back in a rapid motion.
Prior to the flight, the pilot performed a preflight inspection and noticed that the fuel in the right main tank appeared lighter blue than the fuel in the left main tank. He collected samples from the right tank during both the preflight check and the engine run-up. After running the engine for five additional minutes to ensure all gauges were operating within normal limits, he took off with the fuel selector positioned on the right main tank.
After losing power, the pilot attempted to restart the engine while executing a 180-degree turn to return to the airport. He switched the fuel selector to the left main tank and verified that the fuel boost pump was still active. Despite these efforts, the aircraft collided with a ditch. The impact ruptured the right main tank, causing all remaining fuel to escape into the ditch.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine following the accident. The examination revealed no indications of mechanical failure or malfunction that would explain the loss of power. The physical evidence suggested that the fuel supply was interrupted or contaminated, consistent with the pilot's observations of the fuel's appearance before takeoff.