CEN10LA476

The pilot stated that the purpose of the flight was to perform touch-and-go practice takeoffs and landings. After takeoff, as the airplane was passing 650 feet above the ground and the airspeed was about 80 mph, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane in a turn in an attempt to return to the airport, during which the airplane collided with trees. The pilot indicated that there was 25 gallons of fuel on board the airplane at takeoff. Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the airplane after recovery. They reported finding no fuel in the fuel system and no fuel blight on the trees. The recovery team reported similar findings.

On August 11, 2010, approximately 1830 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, N9507J, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it struck trees and impacted terrain following a loss of power during initial climb from David G. Joyce Airport (0R5), Winnfield, Louisiana. Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, received minor injuries. The local flight had just originated. According to a telephone conversation with the pilot and the accident report he submitted, he was going to practice touch-and-go landings. After takeoff, as the airplane was passing 650 feet and the airspeed indicator read 80 mph, the engine lost power. The pilot turned the airplane around in an attempt to return to the airport, but the airplane collided with trees. The pilot extricated himself from the wreckage and walked a mile to seek help. The sheriff's office was notified of the accident at 2013, and the wreckage was located the following morning. The pilot indicated there was 25 gallons of fuel on board the airplane at takeoff. FAA inspectors examined the airplane after recovery and submitted the following report: "(1) Removed gascolator and found it to be clean with no signs of fuel. Screen inside of gascolator were also found to be clean. (2) Removed metal fuel line from electric fuel pump to gascolator, no sign of fuel. (3) Removed electric fuel pump and opened, less than ½ of teaspoon of fuel found and the screen inside of the pump was found to be clean. (4) Removed and examined fuel lines from gascolator to carburetor and found no evidence of fuel. (5) Removed carburetor from the engine, opened bowl drain plug. No evidence of fuel found. Moved throttle arm forward and aft several times, no evidence of fuel in the accelerator pump. (6) Removed muffler assembly and inspected with no abnormalities found. (7) Examined left fuel tank and found less than a pint of fuel inside. There was a rupture on the top skin but no blue fuel staining was evident. Examined fuel cap and found rubber seal in serviceable condition and vent seal to be functioning OK. (8) Aircraft is substantially damaged due to recover operation and removing from thick wooded area. (9) In interview with the owner/pilot he admitted during preflight he only checked fuel gauges and found they indicated ½ tank of fuel in each. He admitted that he did not visually check the fuel levels. (10) The pilot/owner described the startup, taxi and runup as normal in regards to magneto operation, carburetor heat check. He reported normal acceleration and climb after departing the runway. (11) The pilot/owner described the engine “shutter” a couple of times after takeoff, he checked fuel pressure and started a turn back to the airport. He then said the engine completely quit, heleveled the wings and descended into the trees. The pilot/owner estimated flight time from engine start to accident at 15 minutes. (12) The pilot/owner stated he found small particles while sumping the right fuel tank during preflight fuel samples and took additional sample and fuel was clear. He also stated he had left tank selected during flight." The pilot said he did not possess a pilot or medical certificate, although he had taken some instruction.