What happened
The flight encountered a critical mechanical issue shortly after leaving the ground. According to the pilot's account, the engine initially began running roughly before ceasing operation entirely. This sudden loss of power necessitated an immediate emergency landing procedure. During this descent, the aircraft struck barriers that were marking a displaced runway threshold.
The investigation
Post-accident examinations revealed no mechanical defects in the airframe or the fuel system components. A check of the fuel supply indicated no irregularities other than the age of the fuel, which had been added approximately six to eight weeks prior to the incident. Notably, another pilot had flown the aircraft for 45 minutes without any issues immediately before this flight.
Findings
The engine operated successfully after the accident occurred, suggesting the failure was not due to permanent mechanical damage. The primary contributing factor appears linked to the condition of the fuel used during the flight.