What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to maintain control as the airplane descended toward the ground, ultimately touching down on the extreme end of the takeoff runway. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with a culvert located near the runway threshold.
The investigation
A post-crash examination of the airframe and systems revealed critical findings regarding the fuel system. One fuel tank contained only one pint of fuel, while the other held approximately half an inch of residual fuel. The fuel selector was found to be positioned for the 'right' fuel tank at the time of the incident.
Findings
The investigation determined that the aircraft suffered from fuel exhaustion. The minimal amount of fuel remaining in both tanks, combined with the selector position, indicates that the engine did not receive adequate fuel supply during flight. This mechanical failure directly resulted in the loss of power and the subsequent collision with ground infrastructure.
Safety message
Pilots must ensure accurate preflight fuel calculations and verify tank quantities before flight. Regular checks of fuel selectors are essential to confirm they match the intended tank configuration, preventing unexpected power loss.