What happened
The pilot reported that the initial takeoff run was uneventful. However, while the aircraft was in the climb phase, the engine suffered a substantial loss of power. According to the pilot, there was insufficient time, airspeed, or altitude available to execute a turn.
The aircraft subsequently impacted a tree line, a residential structure, a fence, and a propane tank before finally coming to rest. The pilot was not injured.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found no anomalies regarding the airframe or the flight control system. The aircraft was carrying 120 gallons of a chemical mixture, and the pilot confirmed that the load was within the permitted weight and balance limitations for the aircraft.
A mechanical examination focused on the fuel system. While the maximum allowable fuel pressure at 2,700 rpm and 39.5 inches of mercury is 37.0 psi, a bench test of the fuel pump from the accident aircraft yielded 60 psi, which is outside the manufacturer's specified limitations.