Accident Details
During the climb after takeoff, when the aircraft reached approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing, which resulted in the aircraft impacting an embankment covered with heavy brush.
Examination Findings
A postaccident examination of the aircraft's fuel system was conducted. The right fuel tank was found to be empty, as were the gascolator and carburetor bowl. In contrast, the left fuel tank was nearly full. The fuel selector valve was positioned to the right fuel tank. According to the pilot operating handbook, the pre-takeoff checklist includes a step to verify the fuel selector is set to the proper tank—specifically, the fullest tank.