Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 480; Flight Crew Type 75
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Event / Encounter Ground Strike - Aircraft; Ground Excursion Runway
Human Factors; Aircraft
After a local solo flight of 30 minutes and a full stop landing; I taxied back to the active runway with the intent of doing more traffic pattern work. I applied full power at the start of the takeoff and confirmed correct engine indications. Shortly after liftoff; 5 to 10 feet above the ground; I perceived what I judged was a loss in engine power and decided to perform a cautionary landing on the remaining runway. Upon landing; directional control of the aircraft was lost and contributed to a ground loop to the left of approximately 270 degrees. The aircraft departed the active runway and came to a stop in the transient parking area to the southeast side of the runway. I secured the fuel; ignition; and electrical systems and exited the aircraft. Minor damage was sustained during the ground loop to the right wheel/hubcap; and the right rear portion of the wingtip. A close inspection revealed no other damage and the propellor did not strike the ground. No immediate visual evidence of a malfunction was evident. The aircraft was secured in place and the FAA and NTSB were notified jointly via phone in the presence of the airport manager; who also took a report for airport records. A bystander notified local fire department authorities; who were dispatched; but they also observed no major damage; fluid; gas; or oil leakage that would cause a hazard to persons or property. No injuries were sustained by myself.
Light sport aircraft pilot reported the engine lost power on departure so they immediately landed. Upon landing the pilot lost control of the aircraft resulting in a ground loop and runway excursion.