What happened
The accident occurred during the initial climb phase following takeoff. The pilot reported experiencing a sudden loss of engine power shortly after leaving the ground. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot initiated a forced landing procedure. During this maneuver, the airplane struck a tree and subsequently impacted terrain, resulting in significant damage to the airframe.
The investigation
Following the accident, an FAA inspector responded to the site to examine the aircraft and its systems. A visual inspection of the fuel system revealed evidence of contamination. Specifically, the inspector identified the presence of rust and water within the fuel supply lines or tanks.
The pilot provided a preflight account stating that he had performed a visual fuel check prior to departure, noting approximately 30 gallons in each tank. He explicitly reported that there was no indication of a catastrophic mechanical failure of the engine itself at the time of the incident.
Findings
The investigation determined that the primary factor leading to the accident was the loss of engine power during takeoff. The presence of rust and water contamination in the fuel system suggests that fuel quality issues contributed to the engine's inability to produce sufficient power for continued flight.