Introduction
An airplane was involved in an accident during a forced landing after a loss of engine power following takeoff. The pilot reported a normal takeoff, but during initial climb out at about 500 feet above ground level, the engine suddenly lost all power.
Narrative
According to the pilot, after the power loss, he observed trees and a residential subdivision ahead of the airplane. He attempted to return to the airport but determined that he did not have sufficient altitude to do so. Subsequently, the airplane impacted a tree and terrain.
Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine and fuel system was conducted. No anomalies were found that were consistent with a complete loss of engine power. However, during the examination, the continuity of the fuel system through the fuel servo could not be conclusively established. The fuel servo was removed and tested, revealing an accumulation of debris in the fuel screen. The servo's bypass function appeared operational. Subsequent bench testing of the servo did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a total loss of engine power.
Conclusion
The reason for the total loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence, although debris was present in the fuel servo screen.