Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s fuel mismanagement that resulted in a complete loss of engine power during climb and subsequent impact with terrain during a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the climb after takeoff, the engine began to run rough. To restore full engine power, the pilot selected the left and right fuel tanks numerous times. The engine subsequently experienced a complete loss of power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field about one mile south of the airport during which the airplane impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination revealed the airplane’s left fuel tank contained useable fuel. The airplane’s right fuel was empty (except for unusable fuel), which resulted in fuel starvation and the loss of engine power.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated the engine began to run rough during climb after takeoff. To restore full engine power, the pilot selected the left and right fuel tanks numerous times. The engine subsequently experienced a complete loss of power, and the pilot performed a forced landing on a field about one mile south of the airport. The airplane sustained substantial damage that included damage to the horizontal stabilizer. Postaccident examination revealed that the airplane did not receive a recent annual inspection within the past 12 months, and there were several inspection panels within the airplane that were not installed. The right fuel tank was empty (except for unusable fuel), which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction/failure of the airplane.