What happened
The aircraft was being ferried to undergo an annual inspection that had already expired. At takeoff, the pilot reported having a full tank of fuel in the right tank and between one-half to three-quarters of a tank in the left tank. While flying at approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine suffered a total loss of power.
A witness observed the aircraft banking sharply in an attempt to return toward the airstrip. As the aircraft approached the ground, the pilot attempted to initiate a flare; however, there was insufficient altitude to complete a successful recovery.
The investigation
Investigators examined the fuel system and found that although the pilot had selected the left fuel tank for use, there was no fuel present in that tank. Additionally, structural examination of the aircraft revealed that both lift struts had failed at the fork ends, and both struts exhibited compression bends in their middle sections.