What happened
During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the airplane's engine began to sputter before experiencing a total loss of power. In response to the engine failure, the pilot initiated a right turn and executed a forced landing into a field. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
Post-accident inspections of the fuel system involved draining the aircraft's tanks, which yielded 5 gallons of fuel from the left tank and 7 gallons from the right tank. Investigators identified a total blockage within the aft feed line of the left fuel tank, specifically located near a bend in the vicinity of the fuel tank connection. An FAA Inspector's report noted that this bend was clogged with material appearing to be hard-packed sand.
No other discrepancies were identified in the aircraft prior to the impact. The pilot had selected the left fuel tank for takeoff in accordance with the Airplane's Operating Handbook. Records indicated the aircraft had been flown approximately 15 to 20 hours since its most recent annual inspection, which had occurred roughly two months prior to the accident. Notably, for a period of about six weeks preceding that annual inspection, the aircraft had been stored in a T-Hangar with both wings removed.