Event Description
A balloon flight review (BFR) aircraft departing on a night flight was loaded to or near its maximum gross weight limit. During takeoff on a 3,000-foot runway, the engine coughed after the aircraft had accelerated to approximately rotation speed and was about three-quarters of the way down the runway. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff but was unable to stop on the remaining runway. Before stopping, the aircraft went down an embankment, causing the nose gear to collapse.
Aircraft Examination
An examination and operational check of the engine revealed no pre-accident part failure or malfunction, except for a rich idle mixture condition.
Weather Information
Weather reported approximately 19 miles northwest of Greensboro, North Carolina, included: 7,000 feet broken clouds, 15 miles visibility, wind from 200 degrees at 7 knots, temperature 74°F, dew point 70°F, and altimeter setting 30.03 inches of mercury.
Runway and Stopping Distance
According to the aircraft operator's manual, 840 feet of paved runway would have been required to stop under the conditions. Skid marks were observed on the last 500 feet of the runway and across 250 feet of sod before the aircraft departed the paved surface and went off the embankment.