Accident Narrative
The 641-hour private pilot and a passenger departed on a 155-nautical mile night cross-country flight. Shortly after takeoff, the tower controller heard a weak transmission that included the words "engine" and "power." The controller requested the pilot to say again, but received no response. After another request, the pilot transmitted, "I'm going down." No further communications were received. While at approximately 400 feet above ground level, the airplane's engine stopped producing power. While turning left, the left wingtip struck the ground, and the airplane cartwheeled. The debris field measured approximately 125 feet long and 50 feet wide. Witness reports and the wreckage distribution were consistent with the pilot's attempt to return to the airport. A post-impact fire consumed the fuselage and caused extensive thermal damage to the engine and wings.
Wreckage and Engine Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed the landing gear and wing spoilers were in the retracted position. The position of the flaps could not be determined. No mechanical deficiencies were noted with the airframe that could have prevented normal operations. Examination of the engine revealed no preimpact anomalies. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause was the pilot's improper in-flight decision to maneuver back to the departure airport following a loss of engine power on initial climb. Contributing factors were the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the dark night conditions.