Incident Overview
A single-engine aircraft experienced an engine sputter during the takeoff roll, leading to an aborted takeoff and subsequent runway excursion. The pilot had performed a normal preflight inspection and run-up, with no water detected in the fuel system. Full power was applied, and the aircraft accelerated to 55 knots.
Sequence of Events
As the aircraft rotated and a climb attitude was established, the engine began to sputter. The pilot immediately aborted the takeoff. The aircraft skidded off the departure end of the runway, where it impacted a telephone pole lying across the departure end. After striking the pole, the aircraft continued across a ditch and a road before coming to a stop.
Post-Incident Inspection
Following the incident, the engine was test-run for a period of 15 minutes, during which it operated normally. No anomalies were observed. No further information about the aircraft or pilot was provided in the source.
Conclusion
The incident involved an aborted takeoff due to an engine sputter, resulting in the aircraft departing the runway and colliding with a telephone pole. The source did not specify a probable cause.