Accident Sequence
The aircraft collided with the ground short of the runway while attempting a forced landing following a loss of power during the takeoff initial climb. During the second takeoff attempt, the engine began to sputter and lost power. The pilot turned the airplane back towards the runway, but the aircraft had insufficient altitude and struck the ground before reaching the pavement.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported aborting the first takeoff after an indication of low fuel pressure. He taxied back and performed another engine run-up, but could not duplicate or determine the cause of the fuel pressure abnormality. He then elected to attempt a second takeoff.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that after the airplane became airborne, the engine started to "sputter." The airplane turned back towards the airport. As the aircraft touched down, a wing tip contacted the ground, causing the airplane to cartwheel.
Post-accident Examination
During the accident sequence, the left wing separated from the fuselage and the outboard one-third of the right wing folded over. The gascolator and left fuel tanks were breached, and no fuel was found. First responders, including fire and police units, did not see any fuel or detect the odor of fuel. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the wreckage and could not locate evidence of fuel in the remaining aircraft system components or spillage on the ground.
The last pilot to fly the accident airplane told investigators that he had refueled the airplane to capacity at a nearby airport located 26 nautical miles northeast. He stated that when he secured the airplane in his hangar, the left fuel tank was one-third full and the right fuel tank was three-quarters full. No one had flown the airplane since that time.
Engine Test
Following recovery from the accident site, a test run of the engine was performed while it remained mounted in the airframe. An external fuel source delivered fuel directly to the carburetor inlet line. The engine was started using the aircraft's own starter and controls, operated at approximately 1,300 rpm for about one minute, and then shut down. Oil pressure during the test was observed to be in the green arc, approximately 60 psi.