On April 12, 1992, a Lake LA-4 (registration N2032L) operated by Ronald L. Strahm was involved in an aviation accident near Lee's Summit, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A DELAYED ABORTED TAKEOFF BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND. A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT IS THE PRESENCE OF CARBURETOR ICING CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot aborted a takeoff after experiencing engine surging during initial climb, but was unable to stop on the remaining runway, resulting in a collision with a ditch. Post-accident inspection found no defects, though weather conditions were conducive to carburetor icing.
Accident Overview
A pilot of a single-engine airplane initiated a takeoff and experienced engine surging after liftoff. The pilot decided to abort the takeoff and land on the remaining runway. However, the airplane could not be stopped before running off the end of the runway and striking a ditch.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, a detailed inspection of the airplane and an engine test run were conducted. No mechanical defects or anomalies were identified that could explain the engine surging.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were present that are conducive to the formation of carburetor ice. The temperature was 53 degrees Fahrenheit, and the dewpoint was 29 degrees Fahrenheit. Carburetor icing can cause engine power loss or surging in certain conditions.