Accident Summary
The accident flight occurred after the airplane had completed eight previous skydiving sorties on the same day. According to the airplane's logbook, it was refueled with 20 gallons of fuel two flights prior to the accident. The owner stated this was done to maintain the airplane within center of gravity limits.
Flight Sequence
Witnesses and a video recording documented that the pilot and five skydivers boarded the airplane and departed. The airplane reached approximately 300 feet above ground level when the engine lost power. Witnesses reported that the airplane pitched up into a nose-high attitude, rolled left, and descended until impacting the ground at an angle about 90 degrees off the runway heading.
Post-Impact Condition
The airplane came to rest in an upright position against the initial trees of a wooded area. The propeller was found under the right wing; one blade was bent aft 90 degrees and exhibited lengthwise scratching.
Engine Examination
The engine was test run after the accident, and no mechanical malfunctions were found.