Accident Sequence
A recently employed pilot-in-command (PIC) had been given a 1-hour orientation flight by another pilot on the morning of the accident. The airplane used for the orientation flight was equipped with only one seat, so the PIC flew the airplane while the pilot who gave the orientation sat on the floor. Later, the pilots switched airplanes, and the PIC sat on the floor and observed the other pilot conduct a parachute-drop flight.
That afternoon, the PIC flew his first flight for the operator. The flight departed with three skydivers and a jumpmaster. After the skydivers exited the airplane at 3,500 feet, the PIC reduced the power and started a descent. During the descent, the pilot flew a wide pattern. When he applied power, the engine did not respond. Unable to make the airport, the pilot stalled the airplane into the trees.
Post-Accident Examination
The PIC subsequently stated to the other pilot that he had failed to check if the mixture had been pulled out. Examination of the cockpit controls revealed that the mixture control was at the idle cutoff position. Both fuel tanks were half full. A test run of the engine was satisfactory.