20251220019149A

On 20 December, 2025, pilot in command (PIC) departed W96 New Kent County Airport, performed one traffic pattern with no anomolies. On climb out of second departure from the runway, heard engine RPM decrease, then increase, with this cycle repeated three times. After first RPM decrease and surge, PIC stated that he applied carburator heat, full throttle, and full mixture. PIC established best glide speed 65 knts indicated and started left turn, then realized that there was not enough altitude to complete a turn to the runway. PIC leveled wings and expected to put aircraft into the field. PIC stated that engine then failed, sounded as if the aircraft were a glider whistling, prop was windmilling. PIC determined that the airspeed would take the aircraft into the trees, started a very shallow left turn for a larger field opening. PIC tried to slow the aircraft with flaps, the aircraft touched down in soft ground close to the tree line, ground scars indicate that the airplane may have bounced up slightly off the ground, and then touched down at the tree line with the right wing striking trees first, spinning the aircraft left until the nose and left wing entered the tree line. Examination of the propeller consistant with engine not producing power. Fuel samples and fuel level in left tank and engine bowl /carburator appeared normal illiminating fuel starvation as root cause. Right tank fuel cell compromised and not measured. Investigation currently ongoing to determine probable cause of engine malfunction.