Incident Overview
During a touch-and-go maneuver, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power at an altitude of approximately 300 feet while climbing out. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing, during which the airplane collided with obstacles.
Pilot's Pre-Flight Fuel Assessment
The pilot reported that prior to the flight, he visually inspected the fuel level in both main tanks. According to the pilot, the fuel level was below the lower tab, which, per the pilot's operating handbook, indicates 27 gallons of usable fuel. The pilot estimated that approximately 15 gallons of fuel remained in each main tank.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of fuel in either the left main or left tip tanks. The right main and right tip tanks had been breached, making it impossible to determine the amount of fuel that was on board at the time of the accident. Examination of the fuel system showed no evidence of fuel in any of the fuel lines, nor in the left main and left tip fuel tanks.
Engine Inspection
No evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure was found in the engine. The top spark plugs were removed and visually examined; all exhibited lean operating signatures.
Conclusion
The incident involved an engine power loss at low altitude during climb, followed by a forced landing with obstacles. The investigation found no fuel in the left fuel tanks and lean indications on the spark plugs, but no mechanical issues with the engine.