Incident Overview
A certificated commercial pilot was departing a remote area in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. According to the pilot, the right fuel tank contained nine gallons of fuel, the left fuel tank contained six gallons, and the right fuel tank was selected. The airplane's fuel system did not have a selector position for 'Both' tanks, nor was a header tank installed. Additionally, the fuel tanks lacked internal baffles.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported a crosswind from the west at about 15 knots. During the initial climb, a gust of wind 'pushed the airplane sideways,' as described by the pilot.
Engine Failure Sequence
The sideways motion caused fuel to slosh away from the right fuel tank line, and the engine quit approximately 150 feet above ground level. The pilot then switched the fuel selector to the left fuel tank, but the engine did not restart.
Fuel Selector Valve History
The airplane was originally equipped with an 'ON/OFF' fuel selector valve, which did not allow selection of a particular tank. At some point prior to the incident, the valve was replaced with a three-position valve having 'LEFT', 'RIGHT', and 'OFF' selections. The installation was approved by an airplane mechanic and an FAA inspector.