What happened
During the initial climb out, the engine lost all power. In response to the power loss, the pilot performed a 180-degree turn and subsequently landed on the unplowed portion of the Chena Marina strip. During the aircraft's rollout following the landing, the elevator balance tab struck a piece of ice, which caused the tab to be torn in half.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft revealed that the fuel valve placard had been replaced incorrectly. Because of this error, when the pilot moved the fuel valve to the position labeled "both"—the setting required for takeoff—the valve was actually in the off position.
Additionally, investigators found that the airplane had recently undergone a new interior installation performed by an uncertificated individual. There were no entries in the aircraft logbook documenting the new upholstery work, and the aircraft had not been inspected following the installation.