Incident Overview
A student pilot initiated a flight but detected an engine misfire, described as a popping sound, while moving on the runway. She subsequently returned to the ramp area and shut down the engine. Her husband agreed to accompany her on a traffic pattern flight to attempt to identify any malfunction. She occupied the left seat, and her husband took the right seat for the subsequent flight.
Second Flight and Sequence of Events
The aircraft was started and taxied to the runway without any unusual sounds being detected, so the takeoff was conducted. After takeoff, they departed the traffic pattern and climbed to 1,500 feet. Turbulence was encountered, prompting the wife to suggest returning and landing. During the approach, the husband was flying as pilot-in-command (PIC). He stated that when he retarded the throttle at about 75 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine did not respond. He elected to go around but reported that the engine only accelerated to about 2,000 RPM and there was insufficient climb rate to clear obstructions. Another unsuccessful attempt was made to retard the throttle, and subsequently, the aircraft collided with a building and some trees.
Investigation Findings
No reason for a malfunction was found.