Accident Overview
On September 3, 2009, at 1930 central daylight time, a Champion 7KCAB, registration N2629G, collided with terrain following a loss of engine power during takeoff from a private airstrip in Stacy, Minnesota. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The personal flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Sequence of Events
The airplane departed to the south from the private airstrip. According to one of the pilot's sons, the engine sounded as though it was malfunctioning. The pilot turned the airplane around and attempted to return to the airstrip for landing. The airplane impacted the ground, bounced, and came to rest inverted approximately 80 feet from the initial impact point.
Inspection Findings
On-scene inspection of the engine revealed that the gascolator bowl had broken away from the engine. Fuel was present in the fuel line leading to the carburetor. Examination of the spark plugs showed they were blackened with soot. The air intake box was pushed up into the carburetor. The airplane and engine were not accessible for further examination.
Pilot and Maintenance History
The last annual inspection was performed on November 7, 2006, by the previous aircraft owner. The pilot's last flight review was on August 18, 2006. The last entry in his pilot logbook was dated July 31, 2007. At that time, the pilot had logged a total of approximately 150 hours of flight time.