Accident Description
An airplane had just completed its annual maintenance inspection and was test flown by another pilot. The pilot/owner subsequently refueled the aircraft and boarded with three passengers for a cross-country flight. After an engine run-up, the pilot departed on runway 24.
During the initial climb, approximately 500 feet above ground level, a complete loss of engine power occurred. The pilot executed a 180-degree turn intending to land on runway 06, but upon completing the turn, determined that the runway could not be reached. He then lowered the landing gear and stalled the airplane into trees, about 3/4 mile from the runway.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed no preimpact failure of the airframe. The engine was subsequently test run and operated normally through all power ranges, indicating no mechanical anomaly was present after the impact.