Incident Overview
A pilot flying a single-engine airplane experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff from Sulphur Municipal Airport. The pilot had flown to the airport to practice a landing and takeoff before returning to Davis, where a crosswind landing was anticipated. During the initial climb from runway 17, at an estimated altitude of 400 to 500 feet above ground level, the engine reportedly coughed twice and then quit. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the left tank but was unable to restore power. The airplane subsequently landed in a confined field approximately one mile west of the airport.
Pilot Report
According to law enforcement personnel who responded to the scene, the pilot stated that he had flown to Sulphur Municipal Airport to practice a landing and a takeoff prior to returning to Davis, where he anticipated a crosswind landing. The pilot reported that the airplane was on initial takeoff climb from runway 17 at an estimated altitude of 400 to 500 feet AGL when the engine 'coughed a couple of times and quit.' He further stated that he switched the fuel selector to the left tank, but he was unable to restore engine power.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the carburetor bowl and the right wing fuel tank were empty. The left fuel tank contained 18 to 20 gallons of fuel. The airplane's checklist called for the fuel selector to be in the fullest tank prior to takeoff.