Accident Sequence
During the takeoff climb, the airplane's engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot reported turning the airplane onto the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, but the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot executed a landing in a clearing below the flight path. After touchdown, the airplane's right wing impacted a tree, causing the airplane to spin to the right and subsequently collide with an embankment.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the right magneto's nylon gear on the rotating magnet had failed. Additionally, the number three cylinder held approximately 10 pounds of compression. When dismantled, the cylinder's valves and seats were found to be burned and eroded. The number three cylinder primer line was broken.
Aircraft and Engine Information
At the time of departure, the airplane had a full fuel load and was carrying two passengers, baggage, and cargo. The engine had accumulated 235 hours since its last overhaul and 77 hours since its most recent annual inspection. The total time on the airframe and engine was 3,389 hours.