Accident Overview
Approximately 300 feet into the initial climb, the pilot observed that the engine RPM had decreased and the rate of climb was zero. The pilot initiated a left turn back toward the runway but noted a loss of both airspeed and altitude. To maintain altitude, one notch of flaps was lowered, but the airplane continued to descend. With airspeed still decreasing, the airplane collided with terrain short of the runway.
Density Altitude Considerations
The estimated density altitude at the time of the accident was 8,700 feet. According to the manufacturer, the maximum power available at that density altitude would have been between 65 and 70 percent, or no more than 2,315 RPM at cruise.
Post-Accident Examination
No discrepancies were noted during an examination of the airplane and a post-accident runup of the engine.