What happened
During the initial climb phase of takeoff, at an altitude between 50 and 100 feet AGL, the left engine of the aircraft suddenly failed. The pilot managed to correct for the resulting yaw condition and had successfully restabilized the aircraft when the left engine surged back to life. Following this engine fluctuation, the pilot elected to land the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently impacted a grassy area located between the runways in a level attitude with its landing gear up.
The investigation
FAA airworthiness inspectors conducted an examination of the aircraft and found that it was operating under an automotive fuel supplemental type certificate. During the inspection, investigators drained a quantity of water and rust-colored sediment from the left fuel tank sump. No other abnormalities were identified within the aircraft's systems during the examination.