Accident Overview
The private pilot, who had accumulated 2,800 hours of flight time, was operating a single-engine airplane. During the takeoff, the engine partially lost power.
Witness Report
A witness, an airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization, reported hearing the engine sputtering until the airplane reached approximately 250 feet above ground level. Subsequently, the engine stopped running entirely. The witness added that the pilot nearly completed a 180-degree turn in an effort to return to the airport. However, the airplane impacted the ground about 60 feet short of the airport boundary.
Aircraft Damage
After the accident, the witness moved the airplane into a hangar. The witness reported to the Federal Aviation Administration that the engine had separated from the airframe and that the left wing was partially detached from the fuselage.
Fuel Measurements
The witness also reported the fuel quantities to the FAA: the left fuel tank measured 0.75 of an inch of fuel, and the right tank measured 0.25 of an inch.
Pilot Information
On the pilot's most recent FAA medical certificate, dated April 11, 1989, the pilot reported a total flight time of 2,800 hours. The pilot did not complete the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) that was sent by the NTSB investigator-in-charge.