Event Summary
During a takeoff attempt in dawn light conditions, the pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power accompanied by a decrease in airspeed. The decision was made to abort the takeoff. Prior to the event, the pilot had observed construction equipment at the airport associated with a runway extension project.
Pilot Actions
To manage the emergency, the pilot elected to touch down alongside the east outboard edge of the runway rather than on the runway surface. The pilot later reported that the aircraft's nose-high attitude during the landing obscured forward visibility. After touchdown, during the landing roll, the aircraft collided with a berm and subsequently nosed over.
Runway Conditions
No evidence was found of a pre-existing safety area at the runway's edge. However, a safety area had been planned as part of the runway extension project that was underway at the time of the incident.
Investigation
The underlying cause of the partial power loss could not be determined during the investigation. No other factors were identified as contributing to the accident sequence.