BFO89LA038

Factual narrative

THE PILOT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALTITUDE OF APRX 150 FT AGL, THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND LOST POWER. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. DURING THE TURN THE WINGTIP CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE AIRPLANE CARTWHEELED. THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT REPORTED FOR 7 MONTHS. A MECHANIC WHO PURCHASED THE ENGINE FROM THE PILOT/OWNER STATED THAT THERE DID NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE ENGINE OR ITS COMPONENTS. THE PILOTS RECOMMENDATION ON HOW THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED WAS TO USE MORE CARBURETOR HEAT DURING THE ENGINE RUN-UP. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12