Primary finding
Probable cause
Total loss of engine power due to the failure of the pilot to select the fuel tank with the most fuel.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot was on a cross country flight and experienced a total loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff to return to his home base. The pilot made an off-airport forced landing and struck trees during the landing rollout. There was no fuel in the left fuel tank or the line from the tank to the carburetor. There was fuel in the right tank. The fuel selector was positioned on the left tank.
Source record
Factual narrative
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