Incident Overview
During a local sightseeing flight, the pilot trimmed the aircraft to a slow flight configuration and circled a lake in the mountains of South Carolina at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL). The aircraft was operating near its maximum gross weight, and the ground temperature was 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that he applied full throttle and raised the wing flaps. However, the engine did not respond as expected. The aircraft began a gradual descent, and the pilot stated that the engine would not produce more than 2,000 RPM. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with trees and terrain.
Post-Incident Examination
Following the incident, the engine was ground tested and operated to full static RPM without any anomalies. The reported lack of full RPM in flight was not determined.
Conclusion
The investigation did not establish a reason for the engine's reduced power output during the flight.