What happened
The flight departed at 1210 carrying 90 gallons of fuel on board. During the mission, the crew was conducting practice takeoffs and landings when the engine suddenly lost power. The certified flight instructor (CFI) assumed control of the aircraft and attempted to execute an emergency landing in an area located west of the runway. However, the pilot was unable to clear a fence during the approach.
The airplane struck the fence and subsequently collided with the terrain. Following the accident, the engine and its accessories were functionally checked and tested. No discrepancies were found during these post-accident examinations.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's mechanical systems after the collision. A functional check and test of the engine and accessories were performed to determine if a mechanical failure contributed to the power loss. The examination revealed no discrepancies in the engine or its components.
Findings
The primary factors leading to the accident included the unexpected loss of engine power during critical phases of flight and the subsequent inability to clear obstacles during the emergency landing attempt. The post-accident inspection did not identify any mechanical faults with the engine.