Incident Narrative
A pilot conducting an aerial photography flight terminated the mission early because of problems with the camera system. After retarding the throttle on the downwind leg, the pilot experienced a sudden total loss of engine power. Attempts to restart the engine by switching fuel tanks were unsuccessful.
Faced with a power-off situation, the pilot initiated an early base turn in an effort to reach the runway. During the approach, the aircraft descended and contacted a standard rural power transmission line. Shortly thereafter, it impacted the terrain off the approach end of the runway.
Aftermath
Following the impact, the aircraft came to a stop and a fire started. The fire eventually consumed a considerable portion of the airframe. The reason for the loss of engine power was unable to be determined.