Post-Lift-Off Engine Failure and Subsequent Crash (N8171G)

Incident Overview and Initial Flight Phase Following a cross-country intermediate stop, the pilot departed for the final segment of the flight. Witnesses reported hearing the engine sputter several times immediately after lift-off, after which the engine quit. ## Flight Path and Impact In response to the engine failure, the pilot initiated a 180-degree right turn and reached an altitude between 300 and 400 feet. The aircraft subsequently descended in a nose-down attitude and collided with a utility pole and a residential garage. ## Postcrash Fire and Damage Assessment A postcrash fire originated at the right wing and spread along the ground toward the left wing. The right wing was destroyed by the fire. The underside of the left wing was punctured at the inboard fuel tank, but this wing showed no charring or paint blistering, only sooting primarily on its underside. ## Fuel System Findings Investigators found the fuel selector positioned on the left tank. Approximately sixteen ounces of fuel were recovered from the left wing, while about one gallon of fuel was recovered from the right wing.