Accident Overview
After takeoff, when the aircraft reached approximately 75 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a landing on the remaining runway. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with trees, resulting in the separation of the right wing.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination conducted by an FAA inspector revealed that the gascolator bowl was loose. When the auxiliary fuel pump was activated, fuel leakage was observed at the gascolator. The bail wire (part number 494 644) was noted to have 2 1/2 failed threads near the top. The gascolator was subsequently bypassed, and the engine was started and found to operate normally.
Maintenance History
During the most recent annual inspection, the gascolator seal had been replaced. According to the pilot, on the first takeoff following that annual inspection, the engine experienced a loss of power in an identical manner; the landing was uneventful. After that occurrence, the mechanic who performed the annual inspection and the pilot noted that the gascolator seal was not seated properly. A rubber gascolator seal was installed to replace the cork type seal that had been installed during the annual inspection. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated approximately 3 hours since the annual inspection.