What happened
The pilot had previously operated the unspecified aircraft on several flights, noting that it had performed without issue. Following a one-hour flight, the pilot and passenger returned to the departure airport. During a 30-minute period on the ground, a radio antenna was repaired. The pilot started the engine to test the radio functionality before shutting it down.
After restarting the engine with a single propeller pull, the pilot taxied for takeoff. Approximately 200 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. In response, the pilot initiated a steep 180-degree turn. The aircraft subsequently stalled and spun into the ground, coming to rest approximately 1,000 feet from the departure end of the runway. There were no fatalities reported.
The investigation
An examination of the wreckage showed no evidence of preimpact failures regarding the engine or the airframe. Investigators discovered that the fuel selector valve and its associated cockpit control assembly were in the OFF position. Testing confirmed that when air was applied to one end of the fuel selector while in the OFF position, airflow could be detected at the other end. To further understand the mechanics of the failure, a similar aircraft was started with the fuel selector in the OFF position; that engine operated for 1 minute and 46 seconds before experiencing fuel starvation.