Incident Details
During the takeoff initial climb, the pilot reported that while the landing gear was in transit, the engine lost power. The pilot described the event as feeling similar to the mixture being brought back to idle cutoff and then suddenly returned to rich. The pilot then moved the gear handle to the down position as the airplane contacted the grass to the right of the runway.
Upon touchdown, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid to a stop a few hundred feet short of the end of the runway. The pilot noted that power returned to what felt and sounded like full power just prior to ground contact.
Pilot Report
The pilot provided a detailed account of the power loss. According to the pilot, the loss occurred abruptly during the initial climb phase. The pilot's actions included lowering the gear and preparing for an off-runway landing. The airplane came to rest on the grass adjacent to the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airplane and engine following the incident. The inspection did not reveal the reason for the temporary power loss. No mechanical anomalies were identified that could explain the loss of engine power.