What happened
During the initial climb phase following takeoff, the engine power of the Cessna (type not specified) reduced to idle. This resulted in an immediate loss of altitude. The pilot performed maneuvers to avoid trees; however, the aircraft impacted the ground and slid to a stop. A post-crash fire erupted following the impact, and while the pilot and passengers were able to exit the aircraft, the majority of the airframe was consumed by the flames. There were no fatalities reported.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine and removed the carburetor inlet screen, which was found to be contaminated with a large amount of debris. This contamination consisted of an accumulation of small ferrous particles. Subsequent examinations of the fuel screens within the fuel selector valve and the fuel tanks revealed no debris.
As part of the investigation, a sample of the material from the carburetor inlet screen was sent to an external laboratory to compare its composition against a sample of insulation from the fuel hose supplying the carburetor. The laboratory results indicated that the debris found inside the carburetor did not match the insulation material.