Accident Overview
The airplane impacted the ground during an attempted return to the runway after experiencing a loss of engine power shortly after departure. A witness observed the airplane take off, and when it reached about 800 feet above ground level, heard the engine sputter. The airplane then turned left, consistent with an attempt to return to the runway.
Sequence of Events
During the turn, the engine stopped completely, and the airplane's bank angle increased. As the turn continued, airspeed decreased, and the left wing appeared to lose lift. The airplane stalled, impacting the ground nose-first in a vertical attitude. A post-impact fire engulfed and destroyed the airplane.
Pilot Background and Maintenance Issues
The pilot's neighbor reported speaking with the pilot approximately 15 minutes before the accident flight. According to the neighbor, the pilot expressed difficulty with the airplane and was unable to identify the problem. The pilot had been performing maintenance on the aircraft. The engine had been running rough, which the pilot attributed to either water in the fuel system or a carburetor issue.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the thermally destroyed wreckage revealed no mechanical discrepancies. The source does not provide a probable cause for the accident.