Accident Overview
On an unspecified date, an unqualified pilot departed on a VFR local personal flight with one passenger. Witnesses observed a normal takeoff, but during the initial climb the engine began running rough. The airplane initiated a right turn toward the airport. Witnesses then reported that the engine quit completely, the airplane banked sharply to the left, and descended straight down, impacting the ground about 1/8 of a mile from the airstrip.
Occupants and Aircraft Damage
The two occupants of the airplane were fatally injured. The airplane was destroyed by impact and postcrash fire. The accident site was a level cultivated field. The airplane impacted the ground in an approximate 60-degree pitch-down and 30-degree right-wing-low attitude.
Fuel and Mechanical Examination
The owner of the airplane, a certified aviation mechanic with inspector authorization, stated that the pilot was a friend who flew the airplane several days a week. He said the pilot fueled the airplane with auto gas prior to the flight and that there were no known mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The gascolator was heat damaged but remained intact. Upon opening it, about 1/2 ounce of water was found inside the glass bowl. The engine was examined, and no preaccident mechanical anomalies were discovered.
Pilot Information
The pilot did not possess an FAA airman certificate. No record of any flight time or flight training was discovered during the investigation.