The accident occurred on departure from Covey Trails Airport after the pilot completed a touch-and-go on runway 35. While climbing to the northeast at approximately 700 feet the pilot noticed a strange odor followed seconds later by a loud explosion and severe vibration that made the aircraft difficult to control. Engine power was lost completely and the pilot elected to turn back for a landing on runway 17.
Sequence of Events
The flight had originated at West Houston Airport and included air work and landings at Wharton Regional before the stop at X09. Data from the JPI EDM-900 and Avidyne…