Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in forced landing and collision with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was on a test flight after completion of an annual inspection. At an altitude of about 600 feet the engine lost complete power after the pilot reduced power. During the forced landing, attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful and the airplane struck trees. The FAA found approximately 25 gallons of fuel in the right wing tank and fuel saturation in the ground near the ruptured left fuel tank. The FAA successfully test ran the engine and no discrepancies were found.
Source record
Factual narrative
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