Accident Overview
An airplane that had been parked for several days with less than full fuel tanks received 37.5 gallons of fuel before departure. Shortly after takeoff, a pilot-rated witness observed the aircraft at an unusually low altitude near the departure end of the runway, with rocking wings and a 'floaty' demeanor. A witness across the street, an automobile mechanic, reported that the engine was missing or stalling, and the angle of bank increased to 90 degrees before the airplane descended and crashed into a house in a residential area east of the airport.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the flight controls and engine power section revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The carburetor was destroyed by impact and postcrash fire. Testing of the fuel source showed no contamination. However, the sealing surface on the right fuel tank exhibited corrosion pitting. The fuel selector was found approximately halfway on the 'left' position, with no damage to the shaft noted. Subsequent testing with a 180-horsepower engine configured similarly—fuel selector positioned as found—demonstrated fuel starvation approximately 25–30 seconds after full power application.
Toxicology Report
Blood specimens from the pilot tested positive for marijuana and an antidepressant medication, both of which are prohibited by federal regulations for pilots.
No determination of probable cause was provided in the investigation report.