What happened
The incident occurred during the initial phase of flight as the aircraft was accelerating for departure. While the airframe was still positioned over the end of the runway, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power. Unable to maintain altitude or complete the climb-out, the pilot elected to land straight ahead in an adjacent field. The impact caused the aircraft to nosed over.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the airframe and propulsion system to determine the root cause of the power failure. The inspection did not disclose any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would explain the loss of thrust. To further verify engine integrity, the unit was started on the ground and operated within normal operating limits, confirming it functioned correctly outside the context of the accident sequence.
Findings
The aircraft had been fueled with autogas prior to the flight. Despite the fuel type, the post-accident testing showed no evidence of mechanical defect. The loss of power during takeoff remains unexplained by physical damage or operational error identified in the report.