Accident Details
A pilot encountered a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff. The airplane had climbed to approximately 20 to 25 feet when the engine rpm dropped from 2,700 to 400. As airspeed decreased, the airplane began to roll to the left. The pilot kept the nose up and leveled the wings. The airplane then settled, and the rpm increased to 700 before it touched down and bounced back into the air. At about 20 feet, the rpm dropped to zero and the left wing dropped again. The pilot again leveled the wings, but the airplane was now left of the runway. The pilot elected to land in the dirt alongside the runway. The airplane touched down hard and slid for a short distance.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that after the initial rpm loss, the airplane descended and then bounced. He described leveling the wings during each loss of power. After the final rpm drop to zero, he was unable to maintain runway alignment and chose to land off the runway surface.
Passenger Accounts
A passenger in the right front seat reported that after a short takeoff roll, the airplane became airborne, descended, bounced back into the air, and then came down very fast, striking left wing first. A passenger in the right rear seat noted that the takeoff was loud and the airplane was vibrating and seemed very rough during the event.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that the stabilizer trim was set at almost full nose up, and the rudder trim was set at full nose left. No other anomalies were found with the airframe or engine.