Incident Overview
A pilot reported that prior to the takeoff roll, the mixture was leaned for high altitude. Shortly after takeoff, the engine began running very rough. When the mixture was advanced to full rich, the engine lost all power, prompting the pilot to perform a forced landing in an open field. After all occupants exited the airplane, an explosion occurred and the airplane was consumed by fire.
Witness Accounts
One witness stated that he observed the airplane make a left turn, stall, and impact the ground. Another witness, an active pilot holding a commercial certificate, reported seeing the airplane at a low airspeed and high angle-of-attack, climbing at approximately the same rate as the up-slope of the ground. The airplane then pitched up and down before rolling into a sharply descending left turn. This witness noted it appeared to have stalled. As the airplane approached his location, he heard the engine operating and developing power just before it crashed.
Pilot Statement
The pilot initially told an FAA inspector that the aircraft stalled.
Engine Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine did not disclose any anomalies.