Incident Overview
A pilot with 4,500 hours of flight experience reported that during the takeoff initial climb, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level. The pilot immediately initiated a forced landing to a field, while verifying that the fuel pump was on and the mixture was rich.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he "thought the left fuel tank was full" of fuel prior to departure.
Post-Accident Inspection
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that no visible fuel was found in the left main fuel tank. However, fuel was observed in the right main fuel tank, as well as in the left and right auxiliary fuel tanks. During the recovery process, the recovery crew drained approximately four tablespoons of fuel from the left wing.