What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the engine of the aircraft began to lose power while at an altitude of approximately 600 feet mean sea level. The pilot attempted to follow emergency procedures, but these efforts failed to restore engine power.
In response to the power loss, the pilot turned the aircraft back toward the departure airport and identified an emergency landing area located about one mile from the airfield. The airplane touched down on terrain covered in soft tundra. The impact resulted in damage to the wings, fuselage, and landing gear. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
An FAA airworthiness inspector conducted an examination of the aircraft at the accident site. During the inspection, the fuel selector was found positioned to the left wing tip fuel tank; however, this tank contained no fuel. Investigators found no fuel present in the fuel line running from the gascolator to the fuel pump, nor was any fuel found in the line between the fuel pump and the engine manifold.
Following the recovery of the aircraft, a test was performed on the engine. The engine was started and successfully developed full power both with and without the fuel boost pump in the 'ON' position. During this engine run, the left wing tip tank was selected on the fuel selector. The engine operated for 1.5 minutes before it subsequently quit.