Accident Details
The aircraft owner, who was acting as pilot-rated passenger, reported that he did not hold a current medical certificate. Consequently, a private pilot in the right seat was the pilot-in-command, but the owner was at the controls during takeoff.
Preflight and Takeoff
The pre-flight check and engine start-up were normal. During the run-up, a magneto check at 1,800 rpm indicated a drop of about 75 rpm on the right magneto and about 100 rpm on the left magneto, which the owner reported as normal. The takeoff proceeded, and the aircraft climbed to approximately 100 feet above ground level. At that point, the engine began to gradually lose power, described by the owner as "like someone pulled the throttle or the throttle linkage broke."
Forced Landing and Damage
The pilot/owner initiated a forced landing to a grape vineyard. During the landing roll, the aircraft experienced a nose gear collapse. The firewall was damaged, and the leading edges of the wings sustained damage.
Post-Accident Examination
The engine was inspected and prepared for an engine run. It started up normally. A magneto check revealed a 300 rpm drop on the left magneto. The magnetos were then bench-tested; both produced a spark from all towers up to 3,000 rpm. An ignition harness test found no anomalies. No evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction was found with the engine.