Incident Details
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft departed from Runway 36 and subsequently collided with rising terrain approximately three-tenths of a mile north of the runway. The investigation did not identify any preimpact mechanical malfunction or structural failure.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that during the initial climb, airspeed decayed and the aircraft mushed into the ground. The pilot also reported that the preflight inspection and runup were completed in accordance with the published checklist.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the accident, the temperature was 81°F and the dew point was 73°F. According to icing probability charts, these conditions would produce serious carburetor icing at glide (idle) power settings.
Operator Procedures
The aircraft operator's handbook specified that carburetor heat should be checked prior to takeoff to verify proper operation and to clear any ice that may have formed during taxiing. The pilot confirmed that the preflight and runup checklist was followed.