Accident Overview
The aircraft collided with the airport perimeter fence after the pilot experienced a loss of engine power immediately after takeoff. The aircraft had just become airborne when the engine power decreased, and the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude, resulting in a collision with the fence.
Background
The flight was an unauthorized ferry operation. The pilot was transporting the aircraft to another airfield to fix a known engine exhaust system discrepancy. Prior to the flight, a maintenance person advised the pilot that the aircraft should not be flown with the existing problem. Despite this warning, the pilot proceeded with the flight without a permit.
Findings
Post-accident examination of the aircraft found that the muffler was broken in the area adjacent to the number 6 cylinder stack attach point. According to the aircraft service manual, low engine power could be caused by a restriction in the exhaust system.