Event Summary
After departing from runway 28, the pilot initiated a right turn at an altitude of 600 feet above mean sea level. During the turn, the engine began to run roughly, and the engine revolutions per minute decreased to between 1,800 and 2,000 rpm. The flight instructor instructed the pilot to return to the airport, and the pilot set up the airplane for a downwind landing on runway 10.
Go-Around and Stall
When the airplane was halfway down the runway, the pilots decided to perform a go-around. They applied full power and initiated a slight climbing right turn above trees at the departure end of runway 28, followed by a left turn to return for landing on runway 28. During the turn, the aircraft entered an accelerated stall. The left main landing gear then impacted the ground. The airplane continued across a grass area and struck a group of trees.
Engine Examination
Examination of the engine revealed that the number 3 cylinder contained a crack extending from the spark plug hole to a point between the cylinder intake and exhaust valve. The most recent annual inspection had been performed two months prior to the accident, during which no abnormalities were noted with the cylinders.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the accident, the wind was from 250 degrees at 7 knots. The airport featured two runways: runway 10/28, which was 6,002 feet long and 150 feet wide, and runway 14/32, which was 5,057 feet long and 150 feet wide.