Preflight Inspection
During the preflight inspection of the airplane, the pilots believed that the left fuel tank was full and the right fuel tank showed one-half full as seen through the wing tank sight gauges. The cockpit fuel selector was positioned on the left fuel tank.
Departure and Engine Failure
After taxiing to the departure runway, the pilots completed an engine run-up and magneto check, and departed to the north. As the flight climbed to approximately 200 feet, the engine lost power and quit. When the pilot turned back to the runway, the right wing collided with a tree, and subsequently the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
During the post-accident examination of the airplane, approximately two quarts of fuel were recovered from the left fuel tank and about 7 gallons of fuel were recovered from the right fuel tank. Examination of the cockpit found the fuel selector on the left fuel tank.
Engine Functional Check
During the functional check of the engine, the engine started and functioned without difficulty and idled for several minutes without any discrepancies noted.