Interesting report:
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows.
A loss of engine power due to inadequate maintenance.
Occurrence #1: LOSS OF ENGINE POWER(PARTIAL) - MECH FAILURE/MALF
Phase of Operation: TAKEOFF - INITIAL CLIMB
Findings
1. (C) MAINTENANCE - INADEQUATE - COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL
----------
Occurrence #2: IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH OBJECT
Phase of Operation: MANEUVERING - TURN TO LANDING AREA (EMERGENCY)
Findings
2. OBJECT - TREE(S)
Findings Legend: (C) = Cause, (F) = Factor
The FAA inspector who responded to the accident stated that several discrepancies were found during the postaccident
examination of the engine. The shielding was separated on five of the eight ignition leads, the No. 2 cylinder ignition lead was
misfiring into the shielding, and there was excessive play in the carburetor throttle shaft. The contacts on the distributor blocks of
both magnetos were burned and worn, and the fuel screen was very dirty.
http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?e...10X01509&key=1
http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/GenPDF.asp?...03LA179&rpt=fi