What happened
During the takeoff roll, the pilot configured the aircraft type with 10 degrees of flaps and applied full power. Upon reaching a speed of 80 knots, the pilot initiated rotation. While the aircraft was approximately 150 feet above the ground, the pilot reported a total loss of engine power. This led to the aircraft impacting the water in a nose-down, right-wing-low attitude, roughly 300 feet from the runway's end.
The pilot operated under the impression that the runway measured 1,900 feet, though the actual length was only 1,300 feet. While the Pilot’s Operating Handbook provided ground roll distances for 0 and 20 degrees of flaps, it did not specify a distance for the 10-degree setting used. However, the available runway was insufficient for the takeoff requirements at that configuration.
Flight data from the primary and multifunction displays showed that engine parameters remained within normal operating ranges until the conclusion of the recording. The data recorded a significant pitch increase from 0 to 20 degrees, followed by a roll of 77 degrees with the right wing down and a pitch decrease of 50 degrees. The maximum airspeed recorded was approximately 70 knots, which falls within the aircraft's stall speed range of 65 to 71 knots.
Findings
Investigation of the engine showed saltwater corrosion, though this was attributed to the post-accident submersion rather than a mechanical failure. No other mechanical issues were identified. The evidence suggests the engine did not actually lose power. Instead, the pilot attempted to lift off at an inadequate airspeed and an excessive pitch angle because of the limited runway length, resulting in an aerodynamic stall at a low altitude.