Engine failure during takeoff leads to crash (N95SF)

What happened

The accident occurred during the initial climb phase of flight. Shortly after departure, the airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power. In response to this emergency, the pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft to avoid other traffic in the area. This evasive action caused the airspeed to decay below safe limits. The descent rate could not be arrested before impact. The airplane slid off the paved roadway and entered a ravine.

The investigation

A postaccident examination of the wreckage was conducted to determine the mechanical state of the aircraft. Inspectors found that one of the two cylinders had low compression. This mechanical deficiency significantly reduced the engine's ability to produce power. The pilot stated he believed the loss of power resulted from an ignition problem, but physical evidence pointed to low compression in a cylinder.

Findings

The sequence of events indicates that the engine failure was the primary factor. The pilot's maneuver to avoid traffic contributed to the stall. The combination of low airspeed and high descent rate prevented recovery. The aircraft impacted terrain with insufficient altitude to recover.