Accident Summary
An instructional flight conducted at night for practicing takeoffs and landings experienced an engine power loss during the takeoff portion of the sixth touch-and-go. According to the instructor, the power loss occurred as a smooth reduction over a period of one to two seconds. The certified flight instructor (CFI) took control of the aircraft and aborted the takeoff climb. The aircraft touched down on the departure end of the runway and subsequently collided with a fence and a localizer antenna.
The CFI reported that carburetor heat had been used in accordance with company policy at each power reduction for landing.
Investigation
An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the aircraft. Fuel was found in the tanks and in the lines leading to the engine. The engine was started and operated in the airframe at a low power setting, with no discrepancies noted. Additional testing of the ignition, intake, exhaust, and fuel systems also revealed no abnormalities.
The investigation did not identify any mechanical or system failures that could explain the power loss. The exact cause of the engine power loss remains undetermined based on the available evidence.