Incident Overview
A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot, who was also the airplane's owner, were on board when the engine lost power during takeoff. The airplane subsequently collided with a house while attempting to return to the airport.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff, the airplane climbed to 6,500 feet mean sea level and was approximately 4 miles from the airport when the loss of engine power was reported. The CFI informed air traffic control that the airplane would not be able to make it back to the airport and that they were looking for a safe place to land.
Witnesses observed the airplane flying low with the wings rocking back and forth. The airplane then entered a sharp left turn, rolled left, nosed down, and impacted a house.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no mechanical anomalies. The reason for the power loss could not be determined.
Toxicology
The student pilot's toxicological report showed positive results for metabolites of cocaine. However, it was unclear whether or how the student pilot's use of cocaine contributed to the accident. The FAA was aware that the student had a history of a felony conviction for substance possession, but did not obtain records to determine the circumstances of that conviction or the identification of the substance.