Incident Overview
During a night takeoff, the aircraft's engine experienced a total loss of power without warning at an altitude of approximately 300 to 400 feet. The pilot responded by checking the fuel, carburetor heat, and fuel pump, but was unable to restart the engine. The pilot then turned the aircraft about 270 degrees before maneuvering to avoid a nearby house. Despite the evasive action, the airplane struck a tree and a portion of an attached garage.
Post-Incident Examination
Following the accident, a thorough examination of the engine and aircraft systems was conducted. No discrepancies or malfunctions were identified in the engine or any related systems. The aircraft had accumulated 2.4 hours of flight time since its last annual inspection.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the incident, the ambient temperature was 32 degrees Fahrenheit, with a dew point of 20 degrees. According to standard icing probability charts, these conditions were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice. However, the presence of carburetor icing was not verified during the investigation.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that after the power loss, he attempted to restore engine power by engaging the carburetor heat and fuel pump, and checking the fuel selector. None of these actions resulted in a successful restart. The pilot's subsequent turn and maneuver to avoid the house were executed, but the aircraft ultimately collided with a tree and a garage.