What happened
The flight began with a normal takeoff. Shortly after leaving the ground, the engine lost power completely. The pilot immediately attempted to return to the airport runway but was unable to make it. Instead, the airplane landed in a field short of the airport boundaries. During this forced landing, the aircraft struck a cow, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the engine was conducted to determine the mechanical cause of the failure. Inspectors focused on the fuel system components. They discovered water and other contaminants lodged in the fuel injector inlet screen. This blockage prevented proper fuel flow, leading to the loss of power.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the presence of foreign material in the fuel system. The contamination in the fuel injector inlet screen caused the engine to stop running during the critical initial climb phase. The pilot's decision to attempt a return to the airport, while understandable, resulted in a landing outside the paved surface and contact with an animal.
Safety message
Regular inspection of fuel filters and screens is essential to prevent contamination from entering the engine. Pilots should also be aware that even minor fuel system issues can lead to immediate power loss.