What happened
Shortly after takeoff, while at an altitude between 250 and 300 feet, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. Due to insufficient altitude to execute a turn and glide back to the airport, the student pilot attempted to land in a nearby field. The aircraft cleared trees but subsequently stalled over the field. The initial impact occurred on the right main landing gear, causing the airplane to bounce and then nose over. Following the impact, the aircraft became engulfed in flames.
The investigation
The engine had operated for less than 250 hours since its last overhaul. Prior to the accident flight, both wing tanks had been filled with fuel, and the aircraft had completed approximately four hours of flight the previous day without any noted issues. A limited examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies.
Findings
Ambient temperature and dew point conditions indicated a probability of serious carburetor icing at glide power. Additionally, there was no evidence that either of the student pilots had received flight instruction or possessed the necessary qualifications to operate the aircraft.