What happened
A flight was being conducted for the purpose of an orientation and check flight, with an airline transport pilot (ATP) acting as the pilot flying and a commercial pilot acting as an instructor. Following a standard engine run-up, the aircraft type began its takeoff roll. The crew reported that all engine gauges appeared normal during the initial roll, and the aircraft became airborne once it reached 80 knots.
At an altitude of approximately 350 feet above ground level, the crew experienced a sudden jolt. The commercial pilot noted a sensation of power loss and a lack of responsiveness from the aircraft. In response, the commercial pilot deactivated the boost pumps, while the ATP began a gradual left turn to attempt a return to the departure airport. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a rapid descent characterized by a nose-low and right-wing-low attitude, eventually impacting the ground.
Eyewitnesses observed the departure and reported that the engine sounded normal until the aircraft reached the end of the runway. At that point, witnesses heard distinct popping sounds followed by engine silence. The aircraft was seen entering a left turn at roughly a 45-degree angle with no audible engine noise before descending rapidly.
Findings
Evidence from the wreckage and witness accounts suggests that the aircraft suffered a total loss of engine power. During the attempt to return to the airfield, the pilot flying failed to maintain adequate airspeed, causing the aircraft to exceed its critical angle of attack. This led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with the terrain. While investigators noted a discrepancy between the cockpit controls and the fuel shutoff valve positions, this finding was not considered a factor that would have prevented the engine from operating normally.