An ATSB investigation report into the fatal crash of a Tiger Moth at Maryborough, Victoria, has pointed towards fuel blockage as the probable cause of the engine failure.
The pilot and passenger were killed in January this year when the engine of the Tiger began delivering only partial power on take-off, with the aircraft subsequently crashing in trees off the end of the runway.
According to the ATSB report, the power loss was probably caused by the fuel cock becoming blocked, most likely with fuel cap gasket material.
The plane remained at a very low altitude until it stalled into the trees.
However, the report also attributes the outcome of the incident to the pilot's actions.
"Although sufficient runway remained ahead to allow a safe landing," the report states, "the flight was continued under limited power without gaining sufficient height to clear trees beyond the runway.
"Approaching the trees the aircraft climbed, lost airspeed, stalled and collided with terrain. There would have been a safer outcome had the pilot immediately landed the aircraft straight ahead."
The full report can be downloaded from the ATSB website here.