Primary finding
Probable cause
Loss of engine power during initial climbout due to undetermined reasons. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed following the loss of engine power, leading to an aerodynamic stall.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was fueled with automotive gasoline and flown with no reported problems two days prior to the accident. On the day of the accident, the airplane was washed and preflighted. The pilot started the engine and taxied to the end of the grass strip. After takeoff at about 200 feet above the ground, the engine 'stopped dead.' the airplane was observed to veer to the right and enter a 'nose dive'. According to the pilot, the airplane 'probably stalled'. The airplane impacted a driveway in a residential area. An examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions.
Source record
Factual narrative
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