Accident Overview
On October 17, 2011, at approximately 1115 eastern daylight time, a Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 20-C1, registration N828MA, experienced a loss of engine power and collided with trees near Newnan, Georgia (CCO). The airplane was substantially damaged. The student pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The aircraft was registered to Daughters Five LLC and operated by Falcon Aviation Academy under 14 CFR Part 91 as a solo instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight departed CCO at about 0900.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that after flying to the Auburn, Alabama area, he returned to CCO for pattern work. Following a full stop on runway 14, he commenced another takeoff. During the initial climb at about 400 feet above ground level, the engine began to lose power. Attempts to restore power were unsuccessful. Unable to return to the runway, the pilot attempted a forced landing in a field. The airplane struck two trees during the forced landing and remained lodged in the trees. The empennage separated, and the wings sustained heavy damage.
FAA Examination
An FAA inspector responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The fuel tanks were approximately half full of fuel. Fuel flowed freely from the fuel drain when manually opened, with no evidence of fuel contamination. An external examination of the engine revealed no damage.
Detailed Engine and Fuel System Examination
The wreckage was recovered to the operator's facilities, where a detailed examination of the fuel system and engine was performed on October 20, 2011. The FAA oversaw the examination, assisted by a representative from Continental Motors, Inc.
The engine was prepared for a test run on the airframe using the aircraft's electrical and fuel systems. Before the run, a compression test of the cylinders showed no anomalies. The engine was started and allowed to idle for a few minutes. Engine speed was increased to 1,700 rpm, and a magneto check showed a 50 rpm drop on each magneto. The engine was then accelerated to 2,200 rpm, accelerating normally. After 10 minutes of run time, the engine was shut down using the mixture control. The engine run revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation and production of rated horsepower.
After the engine run, another compression check showed no anomalies. The bottom spark plugs were removed for inspection; the electrodes were normal in wear but exhibited dark, heavy deposits compared to a Champion Check-A-Plug chart. The engine oil filter was opened and found free of particulate contamination. The engine fuel screen was clean and clear.
Findings
No mechanical anomalies were identified that could explain the loss of engine power. The cause of the power loss remains undetermined based on the available evidence.