Accident Details
The pilot had been performing touch-and-go landings in the airport traffic pattern for approximately 1.2 hours. Shortly after takeoff from runway 07, the airplane was observed at a low altitude by several witnesses.
Witness Observations
According to witnesses, the engine lost power, and the airplane executed a left turn back toward the airport. The aircraft then assumed a nose-low attitude before impacting the ground.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage at the accident site revealed no fuel in either fuel tank. Both fuel tanks were intact, with no evidence of leakage or damage.
Preflight Activities
The pilot was observed conducting a preflight inspection, which included looking inside both fuel tanks and draining fuel from each tank. Prior to departure, the pilot was offered fuel servicing but declined. Records indicated that at the start of the flight, the airplane had been flown 3.1 hours since the last refueling.