Flight Preparation
After a cross-country flight, a propeller blade was nicked by flying gravel during taxi. The pilot had the propeller dressed by a mechanic, then conducted an engine run-up and took off for a test flight.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses reported that as the aircraft departed, it remained at a lower altitude than expected, though the engine sounded smooth. The aircraft turned downwind and maneuvered for final approach to the same runway. However, it overshot the turn and collided with trees at the edge of the clearway, approximately 1,200 feet short of the runway. The aircraft remained airborne for about 500 feet, then collided with the gate of a high fence, crashed, and burned.
Post-Accident Examination
No preimpact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft or engine was found. However, the mixture control was found in a mid-range position, rather than full forward. For takeoffs below 17,000 feet in this aircraft, the mixture should have been full rich. The density altitude was approximately 9,300 feet.
Medical Information
The pilot had been issued a third-class medical certificate on March 14, 1991, but it was later rescinded when a cardiovascular abnormality of the pilot was noted. A check of the pilot's blood showed a chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) level of 0.073 µg/mL.