Incident Report
According to the pilot, before the flight, the wings and stabilizer were swept, leaving a layer of "polished" frost. Freight was loaded, and the aircraft was serviced to bring the fuel level up to 120 gallons. After engine start, taxi, and run-up, the pilot began the takeoff from the approach end of the 10,300-foot runway, using 35 inches of manifold pressure and 2250 revolutions per minute (RPM). At about 100 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot adjusted power to 30 inches MP and 2000 RPM, and raised the flaps to climb at 82 knots. However, the aircraft did not climb and would not accelerate in level flight. The pilot increased power to 31 inches MP and 2100 RPM, but believed there was a definite loss of power. Subsequently, the aircraft was damaged when the pilot aborted the takeoff on snow-covered terrain beyond the end of the runway.
Investigation Findings
No pre-accident part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engine was found. An investigation revealed that the entire aircraft was covered with a coating of frost. Company records showed the empty weight of the aircraft was 5,088 pounds; the aircraft's actual empty weight was 5,285 pounds. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector calculated that the takeoff gross weight exceeded the maximum limit by 130 pounds.