Witness Observations
After taking off from runway 36, the aircraft experienced a partial loss of engine power during its initial climb, according to witnesses. They reported that the aircraft then entered a turn to the west and flew over trees located between runways 36 and 14 at a relatively low altitude. Subsequently, the aircraft entered a steep left turn, which appeared to be an attempt to align with runway 14. Witnesses stated that the aircraft then rolled abruptly to the right, entered a steep descent, and crashed.
Engine Examination Findings
An examination of the aircraft's engine revealed that the left magneto was loose and could be rotated in its mount in either direction. When the number 3 cylinder was removed, it was found to have a circumferential crack approximately halfway around the head. Additionally, one exhaust stud was missing from that cylinder, and there was evidence that the engine had been operating with an exhaust leak on that cylinder. The engine had accumulated only 274 hours since its last major overhaul.