What happened
The accident occurred during the initial climbout phase of flight. The pilot reported experiencing a sudden loss of power shortly after takeoff. However, the cause of this power loss could not be determined through standard investigation methods.
An eyewitness to the event provided a conflicting account regarding the engine's operation. The witness stated that they heard the engine running with full power throughout the entire takeoff roll and up until the moment of impact. This testimony suggests that the engine may have continued to operate despite the pilot's perception of power loss.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft's propulsion system revealed significant damage to the propeller. The blades exhibited heavy chordwise scratches, twisting, bending, and curling. Additionally, deep nicks were found on the leading edges of the propeller blades. These damages are consistent with the propeller continuing to rotate or being subjected to aerodynamic forces during the accident sequence.
Despite the physical evidence of damage, investigators could not identify a specific mechanical reason for the reported loss of power. No fuel exhaustion, engine failure, or other common causes were confirmed by the examination of the wreckage.