What happened
The accident occurred during the initial climb phase immediately following takeoff. At an altitude of approximately 60 feet above ground level (AGL), the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. Due to the low altitude, the pilot did not have sufficient vertical space or time to effectively maneuver the aircraft for a controlled forced landing.
Consequently, the aircraft impacted the ground with significant force. Upon touchdown, the landing gear failed to absorb the impact adequately, causing the aircraft to cartwheel across the surface. The severity of the impact resulted in substantial damage to the airframe and engine components.
The investigation
Following the accident, an FAA Airworthiness Inspector and representatives from the operating company conducted a thorough examination of the wreckage. The inspection focused on the engine and critical airframe structures to identify any mechanical failures or anomalies that could explain the power loss.
Despite the detailed physical inspection of the engine and surrounding components, the investigators were unable to determine the specific mechanical cause of the power failure. No definitive evidence of pre-impact malfunction was found in the wreckage that would explain why the engine ceased producing power at that altitude.