What happened
The pilot successfully completed all pre-takeoff checks and the engine run-up before departing. Shortly after takeoff, while climbing at 870 feet MSL, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine and checked the fuel selector, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Consequently, a forced landing was performed in a field located approximately a quarter mile from the airport. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft and found that both the left and right auxiliary tanks were full. However, the right main tank was found to be empty. Records indicated the aircraft had been topped off one week prior to the accident, and the pilot had flown 2.12 hours since that refueling. The aircraft's main tanks have a capacity of 30 gallons each, with a fuel consumption rate of 14.3 GPH. Although the pilot stated the fuel selector was set to the left tank for takeoff, the investigation focused on the empty right main tank. Testing revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction that would have caused the loss of engine power.