Primary finding
Probable cause
fuel starvation caused by foreign matter in the fuel tank strainer.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane had a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The pilot attempted to restart without success, and made a hard landing in a field. The right fuel tank strainer was found to be blocked by foreign material.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 19, 1993, at 1000 central daylight time, a Mooney M20C, N6752N, operated by Ideal Helicopter Service, Inc., Sullivan, Wisconsin, sustained substantial damage in a forced landing near Crivitz, Wisconsin, following a total loss of engine power during takeoff from the Crivitz Municipal Airport. The commercial pilot was seriously injured. No flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the business flight. The pilot reported he lost total engine power during climb after takeoff, at about 300 feet agl. Attempts to restart were not successful. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane found the fuel screen in the right fuel tank was blocked by a foreign matter. The fuel selector was positioned to the right tank. -