What happened
During the initial ground roll, witnesses observed the engine developing intermittent power. Despite this issue, the takeoff was continued. Upon reaching approximately 150 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot began a left turn intended to return to the airport. During this maneuver, the aircraft stalled and crashed on the airport property. The resulting impact caused a fire.
The pilot was removed from the burning aircraft and transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, resulting in 1 fatality. The local fire department responded to the scene and extinguished the flames.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft showed no evidence of failure or malfunction regarding the flight controls. Investigators were unable to determine the cause of the reported intermittent engine power. While the ignition harness and left magneto sustained damage from the fire, the right magneto and spark plugs were found to be operating normally. The magneto switch at the accident site was positioned to the right magneto and tested normally.
Investigators verified fuel continuity from both fuel tanks to the gascolator. Although the fuel line from the gascolator to the carburetor was damaged by fire, an examination of the carburetor revealed that the float had been destroyed and the primary venturi was not installed. To investigate this finding, an identical engine was tested at a manufacturer's facility with the venturi removed; that test showed no degradation in engine performance.