Accident Overview
The accident involved a private pilot with approximately 3,200 hours of flight experience. Witnesses observed the airplane execute a shallow right turn during the initial climb after takeoff. Shortly thereafter, two loud noises resembling an engine backfire were heard, followed by silence. The airplane continued flying in an easterly direction for a brief period before it rolled over and impacted soft terrain, nose first, while on a northwest heading.
Flight Data
Data downloaded from the pilot's hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) indicated that the flight lasted approximately 45 seconds. During that time, the airplane's groundspeed initially increased to 93 mph and then decayed to 79 mph before the data ended.
Aircraft Performance Information
According to the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), the best rate of climb speed with one engine inoperative (Vyse) was 115 mph, and the minimum controllable airspeed (Vmc) was 90 mph. The POH also stated: "Two major factors govern one engine operations; airspeed and directional control. The airplane can be safely maneuvered or trimmed for normal hands-off operation and sustained in this configuration by the operative engine AS LONG AS SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED IS MAINTAINED...The most important aspect of engine failure is the necessity to maintain lateral and directional control. If airspeed is below 78 knots (90 mph), reduce power on the operative engine as required to maintain control."
Conclusion
The investigation was unable to determine the reason for the loss of engine power.