What happened
Shortly after takeoff during the climb phase, the pilot of the aircraft switched fuel selection from the left tank to the right tank. Approximately three minutes later, the engine lost power. In an attempt to restore power, the pilot switched back to the left fuel tank, checked the magnetos, and engaged the carburetor heat, but these actions were unsuccessful.
The pilot attempted to turn back toward the airport to perform a landing. The aircraft touched down on soft terrain approximately 300 feet short of the approach end of the runway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced, weathervaned, and landed sideways. This sequence caused the right main gear to collapse and the nose gear to buckle. During the subsequent slide, the right wing and propeller made contact with the ground. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft and the engine was conducted. The examination failed to identify any mechanical failure or malfunction that would have caused the loss of engine power.