Accident
Shortly after takeoff from Vancouver Airport in south Washington, the airplane encountered difficulty gaining altitude. The aircraft stalled and crashed in flames. All three occupants were killed.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was a stall after engine failure during initial climb. Contributing factors included issues with the powerplant ignition system, specifically spark plugs; failure to maintain flying speed; improper maintenance; problems with the propeller and accessories; a directional control problem; slow propeller feathering; no aircharge; and the pilot's inability to maintain directional control.
Details
The accident occurred shortly after departure. The airplane was unable to gain height and stalled, resulting in a crash with fire. The investigation identified various factors related to the engine and propeller systems, maintenance practices, and pilot control. The aircraft departed from Vancouver Airport, and within moments of takeoff, the pilot reported difficulties. The subsequent stall led to a loss of control and impact with terrain, followed by fire.