Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain minimum required airspeed for flight, resulting in an inadvertent stall. A factor was the partial loss of power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot had landed at paris municipal airport (7m6) for fuel, however, there was none available. During takeoff at 'approximately 100 feet', the engine began to 'sputter and miss.' the pilot returned to the airport and checked the airplane for any mechanical 'failures.' none were found and 'a static runup was performed adequately at full throttle.' the airplane took off and approximately 100 feet above ground level (agl), the engine began to 'sputter and almost quit again causing the aircraft to stall and hit the ground.' examination of the engine did not disclose any maintenance anomalies and there was no evidence of fuel or fuel leaks; however, it was reported that a rescue person saw fuel leaking.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 5, 1995, at 1310 central daylight time, a homebuilt Grunska Earl J, Baby Ace D, N689EG, was substantially damaged during takeoff near Paris, Arkansas. The private pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. According to the Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot had landed at Paris Municipal Airport (7M6) for fuel; however, there was none available. During takeoff from Paris Municipal Airport at "approximately 100 feet", the engine began to "sputter and miss." The pilot returned to the airport and checked the airplane for any mechanical "failures." None were found and "a static runup was performed adequately at full throttle." The airplane took off and approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine began to "sputter and almost quit again causing the aircraft to stall and hit the ground" within the Fairgrounds that borders the airport. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed no evidence of fuel or fuel leaks; however, it was reported that a rescue person saw fuel leaking. Examination of the engine did not disclose any maintenance anomalies. Both wings, the firewall, and the landing gear were damaged. -