Event Summary
A pilot reported hearing a loud 'boom' and experiencing a partial loss of engine power while approximately 10 feet above the runway during the initial takeoff climb. The aircraft was about halfway down the 3,000-foot runway at the time. The pilot aborted the takeoff and landed, but was unable to stop the aircraft before it overran the departure end of the runway and collided with a ditch located roughly 30 yards beyond.
Engine Examination
A subsequent examination of the engine revealed that it operated normally at low RPM. However, after 20 seconds at takeoff power, the fuel mixture became excessively rich, causing a significant drop in RPM. The carburetor was disassembled and inspected, but the specific cause of the power reduction was not identified. Additionally, the origin of the reported 'boom' remained undetermined.
Investigation Notes
The investigation focused on the engine's performance and the carburetor, but no definitive mechanical failure was pinpointed. The aircraft's overrun and collision with the ditch were directly attributed to the inability to stop after the aborted takeoff. No further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, or occupant status were provided in the source material.