Accident Details
A pilot departed Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) in Wheeling, Illinois, around 1530 and flew to Burlington Municipal Airport (BUU) in Burlington, Wisconsin. The pilot conducted takeoffs and full stop landings on runway 01, a turf runway measuring 2,477 feet by 130 feet. During the third takeoff, the engine failed after lift off. The airplane subsequently impacted a tree during the forced landing and came to rest inverted.
Pilot Report
The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that the engine began to run rough. He applied carburetor heat, which briefly smoothed the engine operation before it quit entirely. At the time, the airplane was at an altitude of approximately 250 feet above ground level and in a left turn.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure. Engine continuity was confirmed via crankshaft rotation, and compression was observed on all cylinders. The magnetos provided a spark when rotated, and spark plug appearance was consistent with normal wear. The carburetor was intact, with no fluid observed in the carburetor or gascolator. The air filter and intake manifold appeared unobstructed.
Fuel System Examination
The fuel selector was set to the right tank and appeared unobstructed. The right fuel tank contained an estimated 4 or 5 gallons at the time of the examination, while the left fuel tank was nearly empty. Fuel tank caps were in place and secure, and fuel vents appeared open and functional. The airplane had been inverted for several hours after the accident, so the exact amount of fuel on board at the time of the accident could not be established. The pilot stated that 12 gallons of fuel were on board at the time of the initial takeoff.
Manufacturer Information
The airplane manufacturer reported that the published fuel burn for the airplane was approximately 4.7 to 7.0 gallons per hour. Total fuel capacity is 25 gallons, with 21 gallons usable. Each fuel tank has a single outlet located in the center of the tank, which is the lowest part in cruise flight, allowing use of approximately 3 additional gallons in steady level flight. However, takeoffs are not permitted with less than 1/4 tank of fuel due to the possibility of unporting a fuel tank outlet at higher pitch attitudes.