What happened
Immediately following takeoff, witnesses observed an abnormal sound emanating from the engine. This was followed by a momentary cessation of engine sound before it resumed. During the flight, the aircraft entered a right 180-degree turn. While executing this turn, a second power interruption occurred, after which the engine stopped completely.
Following the final engine stoppage, the aircraft stalled and spun into the shoreline. Due to high tide, the wreckage shifted position prior to the official inspection.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found that both main fuel tanks had ruptured upon impact. Notably, the right main tank exhibited significantly more hydraulic deformation and fire damage than the left tank.
Upon inspection of the cockpit controls, the fuel primer control was found in the unlocked and extended position. The fuel selector was positioned to the right tank. A calculation of fuel consumption revealed that approximately 23 gallons of fuel had been consumed since the last refueling. Each tank had a capacity of 23 gallons of usable fuel. No mechanical failures were identified occurring prior to the accident.