Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain airspeed. Factors contributing to the accident were a cracked carburetor float, fuel starvation, and the failure to perform an annual inspection.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane departed a restricted landing area runway for a local flight. Shortly after departing, at 300 feet above the ground, the airplane's engine stopped running. The pilot performed a 180 degree turn toward the departure runway. During the turn the airplane stalled and subsequently collided with the ground. The airplane was destroyed by a post impact fire. The on-scene investigation revealed a carburetor float with multiple cracks in it. Liquid emersion of the float revealed liquid penetration into the float. The last annual inspection was performed 21 months prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
-