Incident Overview
During the takeoff portion of a touch-and-go maneuver, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. Subsequently, it impacted a tree and the ground before coming to rest.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the aircraft revealed that the left wing fuel tank had been compromised, while the right wing fuel tank remained intact. Visual inspection through the fuel filler opening of the right tank did not reveal any fuel. However, fuel was found in the carburetor fuel bowl. The fuel selector valve was positioned to draw fuel from the right wing fuel tank.
Investigators added four gallons of fuel to the right wing fuel tank and performed an engine run. The engine was operated from idle to 1,500 RPM without any anomalies noted. No preexisting conditions or anomalies were found that could have contributed to the power loss.
Pilot Statement and Manual Reference
The pilot reported that he began the flight with 10 gallons of fuel in each wing tank. In his written report, he indicated that there were 20 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the last takeoff.
The "Pilot's Operating Handbook and FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual" for the aircraft includes the instruction: "Do not take off when the Fuel Quantity Gages indicate in the *Yellow Band or with less than 11 gallons in each main tank." During the postaccident examination, it was found that the fuel quantity gauges were not marked with yellow bands.
Conclusion
The investigation documented fuel quantity discrepancies and nonstandard gauge markings, but no specific preexisting mechanical anomalies were identified.