Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a flight, the engine lost power while climbing at about 200 feet above ground level (AGL) after a touch-and-go landing. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field covered with mesquite. During the landing, the right wing struck a tree, causing the airplane to pivot 90 degrees before coming to a stop upright.
Preflight and Flight
According to the pilot, a preflight inspection showed the left fuel tank gauge indicating empty and the right fuel tank gauge indicating between one-third and one-half full. The pilot started the airplane, taxied to runway 17 for takeoff, and conducted an engine run-up, which revealed no anomalies. The flight departed and remained in the traffic pattern, executing a touch-and-go landing.
Forced Landing and Post-Accident Examination
During the initial takeoff climb at approximately 200 feet AGL, the engine lost power. The pilot verified that the fuel selector was in the both position and that the throttle and mixture controls were full forward. The pilot also confirmed that the passenger's lap belt and shoulder harness were secure. After landing in the mesquite-covered field, both fuel tanks were drained. The left tank was empty, and the right tank contained 2.1 gallons of fuel. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook, each wing tank has a capacity of 26 gallons, resulting in a total fuel system capacity of 52 gallons, of which 49 gallons are useable in all flight conditions and 3 gallons are unusable.