Accident Sequence
On the afternoon of the accident, a private pilot and two passengers boarded an airplane for a cross-country flight to Palo Alto. A witness observed the takeoff roll and initial climb as normal. Shortly thereafter, the witness heard a popping sound emanating from the airplane, followed by total silence. The airplane then entered a shallow descending turn to the right (east). The witness eventually lost sight of the airplane when it descended behind a series of hangars. Seconds later, the airplane impacted terrain in a nose-low attitude approximately 1,425 feet beyond the departure end of the runway.
Survivor Account
The sole survivor of the accident was seated in the furthest aft forward facing seat. He recalled the airplane's takeoff and climb but was unable to verify any of the detailed events prior to the airplane impacting terrain.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine, airframe, and associated components revealed no evidence of a pre-impact mechanical failure or anomaly.