20010805026959A

(.19) On August 5, 2001, at 2039 central daylight time, a Beech model 23, N2367J, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff from runway 24 (3,898 feet by 75 feet), at the west bend municipal airport, west bend, Wisconsin. The 14 CFR part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and was not on a flight plan. The pilot and his one passenger received minor injuries. The local flight originated at about 2000. (-23) aircraft departed etb at approximately 1930 on a local sightseeing flight. There was approximately 10 gallons of fuel in each wing tank. Approximately one hour later, aircraft returned to etb and accomplished a touch and go landing on runway 24. During the climbout at 100-200 feet AGL, engine failed. During attempted off airport landing approximately 1 mile southwest of etb, left wing struck a small tree and came to a rest in a marshy area heading approximately 180 degrees from the original direction of travel. During the accident sequence, the pilot and sole passenger were ejected out t he right side entry/exit door and came to a rest 10-15 feet behind and to the right of the aircraft. Minor injuries to pilot and passenger. Investigators found that pilot and passenger seat belts were unbuckled and had not failed. The investigation also showed that the entire flight had been conducted while utilizing fuel from the right wing tank. This tank contained approximately 10 gallons of fuel at the beginning of the flight. The limitations section of the Beechcraft musketeer 23 pilot's operating handbook prohibits takeoff with less than 11 gallons of fuel in each main tank. Finally, the investigation showed that the engine ran satisfactorily after investigators placed approximately 4 gallons of fuel in the right main tank. Recommended the pilot for faa's remedial training program.