Flying an older Gruman Tiger. Was at near gross weight with 4 on board. A family member of mine and pilot that lives at Sierra Sky Park witnessed the takeoff and crash. The Tiger rotated half way down the 2,400 foot runway and climbed to about 50 to 75 feet, but the engine can be heard to reduce rpm just passed half way down the runway. Not enough runway left to land and Sierra Sky Park runway ends with a down hill bluff going to the San Joaquin River. Plane struck trees and spun in on the downhill bluff. Rolled up into a burning mess. Sorry for the family and prayers for the two surviving older children not on the flight.
So does that imply some kind of engine failure?