Accident Overview
The pilot had recently purchased the airplane and subsequently took off without visually checking the fuel level in the tanks. After flying locally and landing at the home airport, the pilot elected to perform one more takeoff and landing. During the initial climb out, approximately 300 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine lost power.
Forced Landing Attempt
Past midfield and unable to land on the remaining runway, the pilot initiated a left 90-degree turn. Faced with an unsuitable landing area, the pilot then turned right 45 degrees to land diagonally in a small field. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane before the left wing impacted a tree.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical malfunctions with the airframe or the engine. A total of 1.5 gallons of fuel was drained from both tanks. The airplane's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) listed the unusable fuel quantity as 3 gallons.