Total power loss - Evans VP1, St. Arnaud VIC, 19 May 1984

The pilot, who had not previously flown this type of aircraft, intended to carry out a circuit and landing. The take-off was reported to be normal, but at a height of about 20 feet agl engine noise ceased and the aircraft nosed down steeply. It struck the ground heavily in a nose low, wings level attitude. It was determined that the fuel tap was still turned off when the take-off commenced and the engine had failed because of fuel starvation. The pilot had been unable to prevent the subsequent stall and had insufficient height remaining to regain control before impact with the ground.