Accident Sequence
The pilot initiated a takeoff and the airplane climbed to approximately 800 feet when all engine power was lost. The pilot attempted to return to the runway, but the airplane collided with the airport's boundary fence short of the field.
Purpose of Flight
According to the pilot, six new cylinders had recently been installed in the engine, and the purpose of the flight was to complete the break-in process.
Fuel Analysis
The pilot reported that he believed 8 to 10 gallons of fuel should have been in the main fuel tank at takeoff, but evidently the fuel burn-off rate was greater than he had previously calculated. An FAA coordinator examined the airplane and drained all remaining fuel. A maximum of 0.5 gallon of fuel was found in each wing tip fuel tank. Additionally, about 3.0 gallons of fuel were found in the rear seat auxiliary tank, and 1.5 gallons were found in the main tank. The estimated unusable fuel quantity in the main tank is 3.0 gallons. The pilot indicated that when engine power was lost, the fuel tank selector was positioned to the main fuel tank.