Incident Details
During the third takeoff of the day, the aircraft's engine stopped while climbing through an estimated altitude of 500 feet. The pilot performed a 180-degree turn back toward the airport. However, the aircraft touched down short of the runway and subsequently ran through the perimeter fence.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed a seven-inch crack in the muffler. Six inches of the crack were rusted with rounded, eroded edges. The muffler shroud had a corresponding hole measuring 6.7 inches long and approximately one inch wide. Melted metal was found on the outside of the shroud. Additionally, a fuel pressure line located in the area of the cracked muffler was discovered burned.
FAA Inspection
FAA inspectors noted that the carburetor alternate air intake and the inside of the carburetor throat indicated that an inflight fire had occurred.