Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power during takeoff due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s improper fuel planning.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane's fuel gauge indicated that the fuel tanks were about half full during his preflight inspection. He conducted a 45-minute flight and landed. During takeoff on the second flight, the airplane reached about 150 feet of altitude when the engine started to sputter and subsequently experienced a total loss of power. The pilot initiated a return to the private airstrip and during the turn the airplane stalled. The airplane impacted the ground in a left-wing-low attitude, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that there was no fuel in the tanks.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that the fuel gauge indicated about 1/2 tank during his preflight. He took a passenger for a 45-minute flight and landed. He reported that during the takeoff on the second flight, the airplane reached about 150 feet of altitude when the engine started to sputter and then quit. He started to turn back to the private airstrip, but the airplane started to stall to the left. He applied full right rudder and aileron. The airplane hit the ground in about a 30 degrees left wing low attitude which caused substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The inspection of the airplane revealed that there was no fuel in the tanks.