What happened
The pilot began operations by starting the engine, taxiing to runway 24, and conducting a magneto check. After observing no anomalies, the pilot initiated a takeoff roll, but the engine began running rough, prompting an aborted takeoff. Following this, the pilot ran the engine at various RPM settings and completed a second satisfactory magneto check.
A second takeoff attempt was initiated, but the engine again ran rough, leading to another aborted takeoff. The pilot then allowed the engine to run for five minutes at different RPM levels, after which it passed a third magneto check. During the third takeoff attempt, the engine initially produced good power; however, as the aircraft climbed above the trees, the engine lost all power, resulting in a forced landing into trees.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage showed that the right-side muffler baffling was mostly disintegrated. This condition was consistent with a baffling failure that caused a subsequent blockage of the engine exhaust. The aircraft's muffler baffling required inspection for wear and cracks during its annual inspection. The most recent annual inspection had been completed approximately 3 months and 2 weeks before the accident, with approximately 28 hours of operation recorded since that inspection.