What happened
The pilot reported that shortly after taking off from a grass airstrip, the aircraft's engine sputtered and lost power. In response to the mechanical failure, the pilot attempted to land on a nearby road. As the right main wheel made contact with the surface, the engine began to recover and develop power again. However, the aircraft struck a power pole during this maneuver. The impact caused the plane to flip over, resulting in an inverted attitude upon impacting the terrain.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the sudden loss of thrust during the initial climb phase. The sequence of events indicated that the engine failure occurred immediately after departure. Although power was restored momentarily at touchdown, the structural integrity of the aircraft was compromised by the collision with the utility pole.
Findings
The investigation focused on determining the root cause of the engine failure reported by the pilot. Despite the detailed account of the emergency landing attempt and the subsequent crash dynamics, the specific mechanical or operational reason for the initial loss of power could not be determined from the available evidence. The aircraft sustained significant damage due to the impact with the pole and the subsequent rollover.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of engine reliability during the takeoff phase, where altitude and options for a safe landing are limited. Pilots must remain vigilant for signs of mechanical distress immediately after leaving the ground and be prepared to execute emergency procedures effectively.