Departure with Frost
Witnesses observed the pilot departing with frost covering the aircraft, and noted that the pilot did not perform a runup or warmup prior to takeoff. The pilot reportedly scraped frost from a small square directly in front of him on the windshield just before departure. The temperature and dew point were 22°F and 17°F, respectively, for the early morning departure, and the aircraft had remained overnight in cold temperatures with partially empty fuel tanks.
Engine Power Loss and Maneuver
During the initial climb at about 400 feet above ground level, witnesses reported that the engine began to run rough and lose power. The pilot initiated a descending left 270-degree turn back toward the runway.
Crash and Examination
The aircraft crashed into a dry river bank with little forward velocity and moderate vertical speed. Examination of the engine disclosed no mechanical preimpact failure or malfunction.