NTSB Factual Report

Prior to the flight the pilot preflighted the airplane. He checked the oil quantity and sumped the fuel tanks for water. Start up and taxi was normal. After takeoff the pilot raised the wing flaps and turned to the right. While rolling out of the turn the engine coughed, ran, and then quit. The airplane at this time was approximately 150 feet above ground level. The pilot tried to land on one of the airport's other runways but, he did not have enough altitude or airspeed to complete his turn to final. He then landed the airplane on an unpaved portion of the airport and impacted heavy brush. The airplane structure was substantially damaged. When asked about the engine failure by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot advised that the engine failed due to fuel starvation because he had not put any fuel in the wing tanks, and forgot to feed from the header tank.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.