Incident Description
According to the pilot, during the initial climb at approximately 800 feet above ground level, the engine rpm dropped to 1,900. About three seconds later, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed about 12 gallons of fuel remaining in the airplane, with six gallons in each wing tank. Laboratory analysis of fuel samples from the fueling truck and the accident airplane showed no contamination and met ASTM D-910 specifications for 100 low lead aviation gasoline.
Engine Test
Due to impact damage, a new carburetor was installed, and some debris from the impact was removed from the engine. After these repairs, the engine started on the first attempt and ran continuously without hesitation at multiple power settings.