Event Description
During the climbout phase of flight, at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level, the airplane's engine experienced a loss of power, with rpm decreasing to 2000. The student pilot reported hearing the engine audibly "lost a cylinder." The exhaust gas temperature (EGT) gauge indicated a very high reading on the No. 3 cylinder.
Pilot Actions
The student pilot verified that the mixture control was set to full rich and then reduced the throttle slightly. However, the EGT reading did not improve. Subsequently, the pilot returned the throttle to the full forward position. Within approximately two seconds, the engine stopped abruptly, accompanied by heavy airframe shaking.
Forced Landing and Collision
The pilot initiated a glide toward a road. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with trees and then the ground.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that compression developed on all four cylinders when the crankshaft was rotated at the propeller flange. Valve train continuity was observed, and both magnetos produced spark on all towers. The air intake box displayed crush damage. The lower engine cowling was removed, and the carburetor was found separated from the intake manifold. The manifold mount studs showed signs of chafing, and one stud was bent. One mounting nut and two flat washers were located within the cowling; the remaining mounting nuts were not found.