Accident Details
Shortly after takeoff from Runway 36, a 6,497-foot-long by 150-foot-wide asphalt runway, the pilot of a single-engine airplane reported a total power failure to air traffic control and stated his intention to return to the airport. The pilot flew back across a four-lane highway and an open field in an attempt to reach the runway. During this maneuver, the airplane's right wing struck a large oak tree approximately 4,054 feet short of the runway. The airplane then impacted the ground and came to rest inverted. There was no post-impact fire, and all major components of the airplane were accounted for at the accident site.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot, a commercial pilot with 2,410 hours of flight experience, was operating the accident flight. No further details about the pilot's qualifications or the aircraft's make and model are available from the investigation source.
Previous Flight and Maintenance
During the investigation, it was revealed that the pilot had experienced a partial loss of engine power on a previous 585-nautical-mile cross-country flight. After landing, the pilot instructed an airframe and powerplant mechanic to perform a visual inspection of the engine to look for abnormalities. No anomalies were noted. The pilot then elected to return on the same 585-nautical-mile cross-country flight without having the engine further examined. The accident occurred during the initiation of that return flight.
Investigation
An examination of the airframe, engine, and related components revealed no abnormalities that would have prevented normal operation. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.