What happened
The pilot was conducting a flight that involved an initial takeoff climb from the departure airport. During this phase of flight, the aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power. Unable to maintain altitude or continue the climb, the pilot initiated a forced landing procedure. The airplane subsequently collided with trees in the vicinity of the airport and came to rest approximately one mile from the runway.
The investigation
Following the accident, an FAA Inspector conducted a detailed examination of the wreckage to determine the cause of the power loss. The inspection did not reveal any evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures in the airframe or propulsion system.
Fuel samples were taken from the fuel tanks and the gascolator for analysis. The examination confirmed that the fuel was uncontaminated, ruling out fuel quality issues as a cause. A further, more thorough examination of the engine itself also disclosed no evidence of malfunctions or mechanical defects that would explain the sudden loss of power.
Findings
The investigation focused on identifying any mechanical causes for the total engine failure. The absence of malfunction evidence in both the general wreckage and the specific engine components suggests that a mechanical failure was not the primary factor. The pilot's decision to attempt a forced landing resulted in the collision with trees, but the root cause of the power loss remained undetermined based on physical evidence alone.