What happened
During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the engine of the aircraft lost power. In response to the power loss, the pilot attempted to return to the departure airport. Witnesses at the scene observed the aircraft performing a rapid descent during a left turn. The aircraft subsequently impacted the runway with its nose and left wing.
Upon impact, the aircraft caught fire and slid down the runway in an inverted position before coming to a rest. Both the pilot and the passenger were able to exit the aircraft through the main door; both individuals were not injured.
The investigation
A post-crash examination of the engine was conducted to determine the source of the power loss. Investigators found that 9 of the 12 cam followers had broken due to overstress. No foreign object damage or other evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction was identified within the engine. Additionally, weight and balance calculations revealed that the aircraft was approximately 396 pounds over its maximum allowable takeoff weight.