Overview
A private pilot and a passenger were taking off on runway 3 during a dark night. At approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot stated that due to insufficient altitude, he was unable to restart the engine. The airplane subsequently impacted trees in a wooded area.
Narrative
According to the pilot, he had flown the airplane earlier for about one hour on the right auxiliary fuel tank. He then landed and picked up the passenger. The pilot reported completing an abbreviated checklist, which included checking the position of the fuel pump and fuel selector. He stated that he thought the fuel selector was on "A main tank."
Findings
An FAA aviation safety inspector examined the airplane after the accident and found the fuel selector positioned on the right auxiliary fuel tank, which was empty. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction.
Pilot Statement
The pilot indicated that the accident could have been prevented if a more deliberate check of the status of the fuel selector had been accomplished.