Accident Overview
An aircraft experienced an engine failure shortly after departure from Runway 26. Following the failure, the aircraft banked to approximately 90 degrees, lost altitude, and impacted the ground.
Wind Conditions
A flight instructor reported that the wind at the time was very gusty and variable, coming from the south at about 10 to 20 knots.
Engine Examination
A post-accident teardown of the engine found that the rocker arm assembly for the number one cylinder had failed. Subsequent laboratory examination of the failed part identified fatigue cracks at the fracture origins.
Probable Cause
The probable cause was determined to be the failure of the rocker arm assembly for the #1 cylinder due to fatigue cracks.