Accident Overview
A private pilot was conducting a local flight in a single-engine airplane. The aircraft performed normally during the preflight run-up, takeoff, climbout, and a brief local flight. The pilot then returned to the traffic pattern for landing practice.
Power Loss and Forced Landing
After the first touch-and-go landing, during the subsequent climbout, the pilot noticed a 'severe lack of power in the engine.' She was unable to maintain altitude, and the airplane descended into a wooded area. The pilot stated that the engine remained running at reduced RPM until ground impact.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot reported a total flight time of 80 hours, including 78 hours in the accident make and model airplane. The engine had accumulated 2,960 hours of total time and had never been overhauled.
Investigation
An investigation was conducted by the relevant aviation authority. The cause of the partial loss of engine power was not determined.