Accident Details
Shortly after takeoff, while climbing through approximately 100 feet above ground level, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to restore power by activating the wobble pump, but the engine did not respond. To manage the situation, the pilot executed skidding S-turns in an effort to dissipate airspeed and altitude while remaining over the runway.
Pilot Actions
Recognizing that the runway lacked an overrun and that the terrain dropped sharply about 100 feet into a creek and trees, the pilot deliberately stalled the airplane. The stall occurred from approximately 30 feet above the ground. The aircraft impacted left wing first, then nosed down, and came to rest inverted just beyond the runway end. The airplane was subsequently consumed by fire. The pilot reported sensing that the airplane was on fire in flight prior to the crash.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that the carburetor flexible inlet line had failed at the sleeve fitting.