FTW93LA116

During initial climb the airplane lost engine power. The airplane had reached an altitude of 50 feet above the ground when the engine began to run rough and the power decreased to a level that would not sustain the climb. The pilot executed a forced landing to available terrain, rough and uneven. An examination revealed that the airplane fuel system was clogged with debris and that the electrical fuel boost pump was not delivering sufficient quantities of fuel during high power settings.

On April 3, 1993, at approximately 1440 central standard time (CST) a Mooney M20E, N9337M, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Fort Worth, Texas, following a loss of engine power during the initial climb of a takeoff. The private pilot was not injured during the visual meteorological conditions flight. The airplane was owned and operated by Robert E. Randolph of Fort Worth, Texas.

During an interview with the pilot, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, he reported that during his initial climb the engine suddenly lost power and he was forced to land in unsuitable terrain. He further reported that he had been practicing touch and go landings. An on scene investigation by the FAA inspector revealed that the airplane had struck trees following the forced landing and damaged both wings. The inspector reported that the left wing lost all contained fuel due to impact damage, however, the right wing retained all fuel. There was evidence of fuel spillage on the ground below the left wing.