What happened
A witness positioned at the departure end of the runway observed the initial phase of the flight. According to the account, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 400 feet when the engine ceased operation. Following the loss of power, the aircraft assumed a nose-high attitude. During this phase, the left wing was observed to drop significantly, leading to a stall.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed witness statements regarding the visual sequence of events during the accident flight. The primary evidence relied on the observation that the engine stopped running while the aircraft was at low altitude. This mechanical failure appeared to be the precursor to the aerodynamic stall observed by the witness.
Findings
The pilot reported having no recollection of events occurring before or after the accident. This lack of memory prevents a direct account of the pilot's actions during the critical moments preceding the stall. The sequence of events suggests that the engine failure contributed directly to the loss of control due to insufficient airspeed and altitude.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining adequate airspeed and recognizing engine failure immediately after takeoff. Pilots must be prepared to execute emergency procedures for power loss at low altitudes, where recovery options are severely limited.