Preflight Inspection
During the preflight, the pilot did not visually look into the fuel tanks. He reported that he turned the master switch on and observed the fuel gauges indicating approximately one half full. Pilot training manuals caution pilots to visually inspect fuel tanks during preflight and not to rely solely on cockpit fuel gauges.
Takeoff and Initial Climb
During the takeoff roll, the pilot raised the nose wheel quickly to keep the propeller out of the dirt. He then performed a steeper than normal climb-out, followed by a left turn while maintaining the steep climb.
Engine Failure
The pilot reported that the engine stopped and the metal propeller ceased turning. A pilot/mechanic commented that if a pilot executes a steep climbing departure turn with the airplane only partially fueled, unporting of the fuel lines in the wing tanks can occur, resulting in fuel starvation to the engine.
Post-accident Examination
No preimpact engine or airframe anomalies that might have affected the airplane's performance were identified.