Accident Overview
An aircraft sustained damage during a takeoff attempt when it failed to gain altitude and continued past the departure end of the runway, coming to a stop 1,400 feet beyond the pavement.
Witness and Pilot Statements
A witness observed six persons on board the four-place aircraft. The pilot stated that his son, who was in the right front seat, deplaned before takeoff. According to the pilot, had the son not deplaned, the aircraft would have exceeded its maximum gross weight by 49 pounds. The pilot also stated that he had two children sitting on the laps of the rear passengers. The pilot did not file an accident report.
FAA Findings
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) observers at the scene reported finding no evidence of an engine malfunction, despite the pilot's claim that the engine was losing power. The reason for the failure to climb and subsequent overrun was not determined.