Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that the engine began to gradually lose power shortly after takeoff. He detected a smell of raw fuel in the cockpit. In response, the pilot initiated a turn back toward the airport. During the turn, the engine completely stopped running. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a muddy field, which was short of the runway.
Impact and Damage
During the landing, the airplane nosed over. The vertical stabilizer was bent as a result of the accident.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that a fitting securing the main fuel line to the engine was loose and leaking fuel. This finding was consistent with the pilot's report of a raw fuel smell and subsequent power loss.