Accident Overview
During training exercises involving short-field takeoffs and full-stop landings with taxi-back procedures on runway 21, a flight instructor and a student pilot encountered a total loss of engine power on the third takeoff. The power loss occurred as the airplane climbed through approximately 100 feet above ground level.
Forced Landing
The certified flight instructor (CFI) took control and initiated a forced landing. During the maneuver, the airplane struck trees, nosed over, and subsequently collided with a storage shed. The terrain and other obstacles in the area were unsuitable for a safe forced landing.
Post-Accident Examination
A thorough examination of the airframe and engine assembly revealed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or component failure. Investigators reviewed weather data, which indicated that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice at the time of the accident.
Conclusion
The accident sequence began with an unexpected loss of engine power during a critical phase of flight. Despite the CFI's prompt actions, the forced landing was complicated by the surrounding terrain and obstacles. The absence of mechanical issues pointed to external factors, such as carburetor icing, as a potential contributor, though no definitive cause was established.