What happened
The pilot was conducting an initial climb when the engine began to run roughly. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in a total loss of power at approximately 500 feet above ground level. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed an emergency landing in a nearby soft field. Upon impact, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed significant contamination within the fuel system. Investigators found soil particles lodged inside the fuel lines and components. Further analysis identified that the same type of soil was present in the open containers used to refuel the aircraft prior to the flight, indicating a clear path for foreign object debris to enter the tank.
Findings
The primary mechanical failure was traced directly to the ingestion of foreign material into the fuel supply. The presence of soil in both the fuel system and the refueling containers confirmed that contamination was the root cause of the engine's rough running and subsequent power loss. This incident highlights the critical importance of using clean, covered fuel sources during refueling operations to prevent debris from entering the aircraft's fuel tanks.