Accident Summary
A flight instructor and two beginning student pilots were departing for a local area flight when an engine power loss occurred during the initial climb. The instructor reported that at approximately 50 to 100 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. He subsequently executed a forced landing beyond the departure end of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Details
The instructor pilot was the sole pilot in command, accompanied by two student pilots. The flight was intended as a local area training flight. According to the instructor, the engine failure happened shortly after takeoff, during the climb phase. The forced landing was performed beyond the runway end, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage during the landing.
Investigation
An FAA inspector who responded to the scene noted that during the preflight inspection, the fuel gascolator drain may have been left open. The flight instructor was subsequently counseled by the FAA on proper preflight procedures. No further details regarding the cause of the power loss or the extent of damage were provided in the source material.