Accident Overview
Witnesses observed an aircraft taking off with an engine that sounded rough and was backfiring. They reported that the aircraft crossed the departure end of the runway at a lower altitude and slower speed than they considered normal. Subsequently, the aircraft's wings were seen to rock, after which it entered a steep left turn back toward the airport. During the turn, the landing gear extended as the aircraft approached a treeline. Shortly thereafter, the left wing struck a tree at 73 feet above ground level, and the aircraft crashed and was demolished by fire.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the wreckage and a teardown of the engine did not reveal the reason for the power loss. The aircraft had two front seat occupants, both of whom were rated pilots. The occupant in the left front seat did not have a current biennial flight review (BFR), but the right front seat pilot was a certified flight instructor.