Accident Details
A pilot and passengers departed from Goodyear Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, for a flight to Santa Ana, California. The pilot obtained a weather briefing at Goodyear but did not check with anyone regarding fog encountered near Corona, California.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, the Riverside and Corona area was "socked in" with heavy fog and clouds, while outlying areas in the Moreno Valley were clear. As the fog was moving in rapidly with low ceilings, the pilot decided to land in a clearing. While at the clearing, the pilot's father went to a nearby landfill and purchased approximately 18 gallons of automotive fuel for the airplane. After the fog began to clear, the pilot prepared for takeoff. He stated that after getting about 2 to 3 feet in the air, the engine suddenly died, as if the throttle had been pulled back. He also heard a popping noise but could not determine if it was from the engine or a rock hitting the airplane.
Postaccident Examination
Later, the pilot told FAA investigators that he did not have a problem with the engine. After the accident, at the request of local fire department officials, the pilot drained approximately 18 gallons of fuel from the airplane. During a postaccident examination, the engine was started normally three times, with good throttle response and normal oil pressure.