What happened
The pilot of an amphibious aircraft initiated a takeoff on runway 10. Witnesses reported that the engine began losing power during the initial climb. After leaving the ground, the aircraft was observed making a sharp left turn back toward the airport while still at a low altitude.
Witness accounts regarding the engine status varied. Some stated the engine stopped while the plane was turning, while others reported it continued running until impact. The crash occurred on a heading of approximately 310 degrees in a nose-low, left-wing-down attitude. The aircraft was destroyed by the force of the impact and subsequent fire.
The investigation
During the post-accident examination, the engine was disassembled to determine the cause of the power loss. An inspection of the internal components did not reveal any mechanical condition that would have contributed to an engine failure.
Findings
The primary factors involved were the loss of engine power during takeoff and the resulting inability to maintain controlled flight. The amphibious aircraft was destroyed by impact and fire, with no survivors reported.