Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported that the engine was losing power and that he was returning to the airport. The controller advised the pilot that he was 1 3/4 miles south of the airport and should make a left turn and return for a landing on runway 33. No further radio transmissions were received from the pilot.
Impact and Damage
The airplane struck power lines about 25 feet high, then struck a house, and came to rest on the porch of another house. The second house and the airplane were destroyed as a result of the collision and a post-impact fire.
Witness Account
A witness located approximately 1 1/4 miles from runway 33 reported hearing an airplane taking off. The witness stated, "… the engine noise was both loud and different, I looked toward the airport, but the plane was already into the overcast-600 foot ceiling. The engine noise was unique, it had a loud beat, like one cylinder was firing directly out the exhaust…when the plane had passed me, from my right to left about the 10 o'clock position the engine skipped one beat, made a louder bang and went silent…"
Examination
Examination of the engine did not disclose any evidence of mechanical malfunction that would have precluded operation.