Incident Overview
An airplane experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff at an altitude of approximately 600 feet mean sea level. According to operator personnel, emergency procedures were attempted but failed to restore engine power. The pilot then turned the aircraft back toward the departure airport and selected an emergency landing area roughly one mile from the airport.
Damage and Initial Inspection
The airplane touched down on soft tundra-covered terrain, resulting in damage to the landing gear, fuselage, and wings. An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site.
Fuel System Examination
During the inspection, the fuel selector was found positioned to the left wing tip fuel tank. The left tip tank contained no fuel. No fuel was detected in the fuel line from the gascolator to the fuel pump, nor in the line from the fuel pump to the engine manifold.
Post-Recovery Engine Test
Following recovery of the airplane, the engine was started and developed full power both with and without the fuel boost pump in the 'ON' position. During the engine run, the left tip tank was selected. The engine continued to run for 1.5 minutes before quitting.