What happened
During a night cross-country flight spanning 155 nautical miles, a private pilot and one passenger were departing when the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. At an altitude of roughly 400 feet, the pilot transmitted an indistinct message to the tower controller containing the words "engine" and "power." After the controller requested clarification, the pilot stated, "I'm going down," before all radio contact ceased.
As the aircraft was executing a left turn, the left wingtip struck the ground, causing the plane to cartwheel. The resulting debris field measured about 125 feet in length and 50 feet in width. A fire ignited upon impact, causing significant thermal damage to the wings and engine. Evidence from the wreckage and witness accounts indicated that the pilot was attempting to return to the airport at the time of the crash. Investigation of the wreckage showed that the wing spoilers and landing gear were retracted at the time of impact.
Findings
An inspection of the airframe revealed no mechanical issues that would have hindered standard operations. Furthermore, the engine showed no signs of anomalies prior to the accident. While the engine did stop producing power during the flight, the specific reason for this loss of power remains undetermined.