Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, the airplane was completely fueled before the accident flight, and fuel samples taken during the preflight were not contaminated with water. The airplane was taxied using the right main fuel tank, and the pilot switched to the left fuel tank prior to takeoff as required by the pilot operating handbook.
The takeoff ground run, rotation, and initial climb were uneventful until the airplane reached approximately 150 feet above ground level, when the engine lost power suddenly. The pilot reported switching fuel tank positions, verifying the magneto switch was on both, and advancing the throttle and mixture controls fully. Because of the suddenness and completeness of the power loss, the pilot suspected either fuel starvation or an ignition problem. He changed the tank selector at least two more times and prepared for a crash landing.
The pilot determined that landing on the departure runway was not an option. He maneuvered the airplane in between two houses before striking a power pole and several trees.
Post-Accident Examination
A first responder reported that the fuel selector was found in the "off" position upon arrival at the accident site. The pilot stated he did not reposition the fuel selector after the accident.
The engine was subjected to an operational test run. It started without hesitation and ran at idle power (approximately 700 rpm) without any anomalies. The engine responded to brief throttle increases (approximately 1,200 rpm) before being shut down. Due to a damaged propeller, the engine was not run above 1,200 rpm.