Summary
An airplane suffered a total loss of engine power during initial climb, prompting a forced landing. The aircraft slid off the end of the runway with its landing gear retracted, impacted trees, and caught fire. The pilot was unable to restore power before the landing.
Event Details
Days prior to the accident, the airplane was fueled and parked outside at another airport. After returning to its home base, it was stored in a hangar. On the day of the accident, during the pre-flight check, the fuel sumps were drained and no water or contaminants were found. The airplane then flew a local flight lasting less than one hour. Following that flight, the airplane was refueled, but the fuel sumps were not drained afterward.
On the subsequent flight, during initial climb, the engine lost all power. The pilot attempted to restore power without success and executed a forced landing. The airplane landed with the gear retracted, slid off the runway, struck trees, and was engulfed in fire.
Investigation
A subsequent examination of the engine and airframe revealed no pre-existing mechanical anomalies. Fuel samples taken from the most recent fueling pump showed no water or other contaminants. The investigation did not identify a specific cause for the power loss.