Departure and Power Loss
The pilot departed at night from an uncontrolled airport after an en route stop. During the initial climb, at approximately 200 feet above ground level, the engine began to lose power. The pilot was unable to restore power and selected an area for a forced landing.
Forced Landing and Wing Separation
During the landing, the airplane struck a bush, which resulted in the separation of the airplane's left wing. After the accident, the pilot recovered the airplane and conducted several post-crash inspections.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the engine by an FAA inspector revealed a leak at the gascolator gasket. Further examination showed that the gascolator was not safety wired and the fuel screen was missing. Additionally, the lip of the gascolator bowl had two gouges, the gasket was too small for the installation, and the gasket appeared to have allowed air into the fuel system. The FAA inspector could not determine to what extent the pilot's post-crash inspection had on the airworthiness of the airplane.
Previous Maintenance
The airplane had received an annual inspection approximately 25 flight hours before the accident.