Overview
A private pilot with 1,104 flight hours was executing a left turn for a crosswind departure when, at approximately 700 to 800 feet above ground level (AGL), he reported losing the left engine. The pilot subsequently attempted to land on an airport taxiway. The airplane struck the hard surface taxiway in a left-wing-low, nose-low attitude, came to rest upright, and was partially consumed by a post-impact fire.
Preflight and Witness Observations
Before departure, the pilot performed an engine run-up, which was reported as normal. One witness stated that the takeoff appeared normal and that the airplane made a left turn for a crosswind departure. During the turn, the witness observed the left wing drop, then the right wing drop, followed again by the left wing dropping, and noted that the airplane developed a very high rate of descent. Two other witnesses reported that the airplane "seemed like it was in trouble...something [was] terribly wrong...the aircraft may have stalled then pitched nose down and then we knew he was coming down."
Weather Conditions
Around the time of the event, the reported wind was 22 knots, gusting to 40 knots, with peak winds ranging from 40 to 44 knots.
Aircraft Performance
According to the airplane's performance charts, its calculated single-engine climb performance was approximately 300 feet per minute.
Examination
Post-accident examination of the airframe and both engines did not reveal any structural or mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.