Shortly after a normal take-off, the pilot sensed that the engine was not delivering full power and the passenger commented that he could detect rough running. The pilot attempted to reach a clear area ahead, but the aircraft collided with 3 metre high scrub while in a nose-high attitude. It then spun through 180 degrees before coming to rest about 10 metres from the initial impact point. A fire broke out which destroyed most of the fuselage and part of the wings. The investigation was hampered by the degree of fire damage, however no fault was found with the engine which might have explained the reported loss of power. Atmospheric conditions were conducive to carburettor icing, but whether this had in fact occurred could not be determined.
