Accident Details
The pilot began the takeoff roll after completing a normal preflight inspection and engine run-up. The airplane accelerated and lifted off without incident. At an altitude of approximately 75 feet, the engine began to cough, sputter, and miss. The airplane cleared utility poles and wires located off the departure end of the runway. The pilot then made a 90-degree turn in an attempt to return to the airport. After the turn, the engine quit completely. The pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to a soybean field. During the landing, the airplane's nose pitched down and impacted the ground in a nose-low attitude. The airplane then flipped over.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Fuel observed in both wing fuel tanks, the gascolator, and the carburetor was absent of contamination. The pilot reported that the airplane was refueled and flown for about 2/10 of an hour, approximately 2 weeks prior to the accident.
Background
The airplane had been operated for about 7 hours since its most recent annual inspection, which was performed about 4 months prior to the accident.