What happened
The flight began with all system and engine gauges indicating normal operation. During the initial climb phase, shortly after takeoff, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 200 feet above ground level (AGL). At this point, the engine suddenly quit, resulting in a loss of power.
In response to the emergency, the pilot attempted to switch fuel tanks and restart the engine. The engine did restart and ran for approximately ten seconds before failing again. With no further power available, the pilot executed a forced landing. During the landing roll on the ground, the airplane nosed over, causing significant damage to the aircraft structure.
The investigation
A post-crash inspection of the engine was conducted to determine the cause of the failure. The examination did not reveal any evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction within the engine components. This finding suggests that the in-flight shutdown was likely due to an external factor, such as fuel supply interruption, rather than an internal mechanical defect.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates a sudden loss of engine power during the critical initial climb phase. The brief restart capability suggests that the issue may have been related to fuel flow or selection, although the specific root cause was not definitively identified through mechanical inspection alone. The subsequent nose-over during the forced landing highlights the challenges of managing an aircraft with no power in a confined area.
Safety message
Pilots should be aware of the critical nature of the initial climb phase and ensure that fuel system checks are thorough before departure. In the event of an engine failure, immediate and correct action regarding fuel selection and emergency procedures is essential to maximize the chances of a safe outcome.