Accident Overview
On a night cross-country flight of 155 nautical miles, a private pilot and a passenger departed. Shortly after takeoff, the tower controller heard a weak transmission that included the words "engine" and "power." The controller asked the pilot to repeat, but received no response. Upon a second request, the pilot transmitted, "I'm going down." No further communications were received.
Sequence of Events
The airplane's engine stopped producing power while at approximately 400 feet above ground level. While in a left turn, the left wingtip struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled. The debris field measured about 125 feet long and 50 feet wide. Witness reports of the flight path and the wreckage distribution were consistent with an attempt to return to the airport.
Wreckage and Fire
A post-impact fire consumed the fuselage and caused extensive thermal damage to the engine and wings. Examination of the wreckage showed that the landing gear and wing spoilers were retracted. The flap position could not be determined. No airframe mechanical deficiencies were found that could have prevented normal operation. The engine examination revealed no preimpact anomalies.
Probable Cause
The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.