General Aviation Aircraft Spin and Post-Impact Fire Following Engine Failure (N83555)

Incident Overview and Pilot Report A private pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, at approximately 150 feet above ground level, the engine began to misfire. The pilot lowered the nose, which caused the engine to run normally, and he re-established a climb. The engine subsequently quit. The pilot decided to declare an emergency and land but stated that his airspeed was too slow, and the aircraft entered a spin. Prior to impacting the terrain, the aircraft flared and struck the ground in a level attitude. Shortly after impact, the aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. ## Fuel and Runway Conditions The pilot stated that he believed there were about 3 1/2 gallons of fuel on board prior to takeoff. Witnesses reported that there was about 1,500 feet of usable runway remaining when the engine failed.