Engine Anomalies During Takeoff
The pilot started the engine, taxied to runway 24, and performed a magneto check, observing no anomalies. He initiated a takeoff roll, but the engine began to run rough, prompting an aborted takeoff. He then ran the engine at different RPM and performed a second satisfactory magneto check. During a second takeoff roll, the engine again ran rough, and the pilot aborted the takeoff. He let the engine run for five minutes at varying RPM, after which it passed a third magneto check. On the third takeoff attempt, the engine had good power initially, but as the airplane climbed above the trees, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing into trees.
Examination of Wreckage
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right-side muffler baffling was mostly disintegrated. This condition was consistent with a baffling failure and subsequent blockage of the engine exhaust. The muffler baffling was required to be inspected for cracks and wear during the annual inspection of the airplane. The last annual inspection of the airplane was performed approximately three months and two weeks prior to the accident, and the airplane had accumulated about 28 hours of operation since that inspection.