Accident Sequence
Witnesses observed the airplane climb to a maximum of 200 feet above the runway during its initial climb. The airplane then descended in a right-wing-low attitude until impacting the level ground short of the airport's perimeter fence. A fire erupted and consumed the airplane.
Pilot Statement
Before succumbing to his injuries, the pilot reported to responding medical personnel: "my engine failed and I was trying to turn around."
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airframe revealed fire damage to the wings in areas corresponding to both the inboard and outboard fuel tanks. The fuel selectors were found in the main tank positions. The landing gear was extended, and the rudder trim tab was set to a position consistent with a right engine power failure. No evidence of internal engine mechanical malfunction was observed. The left propeller blades were torsionally twisted and gouged, while the right blades sustained only minor damage.
Pilot and Maintenance Background
The pilot, an airframe and powerplant mechanic, had performed the maintenance on his airplane and was its only pilot. His last flight was approximately 3.5 months before the accident, and the accident flight was the first following maintenance. No logbook records were found that identified the maintenance performed.
Engine and Performance Analysis
The cause of the right engine's nonmechanical loss of power was not determined. Given the prevailing meteorological conditions and the airplane's weight, performance data indicates that the airplane should have had a positive climb rate upon feathering the right engine's propeller blades and retraction of the landing gear.