Accident Summary
A student pilot performed a touch-and-go on Runway 28. During the climb out, the instructor observed that the engine power output seemed low, with the RPM indicating about 2,000 and decreasing. The instructor stated that the engine operation was smooth, with no apparent roughness. The instructor also said that the aircraft would not clear the trees off the end of the runway and there was insufficient pavement left to affect a landing. The instructor took over the controls and landed the aircraft in a clear area beyond the runway, colliding with trees and rough terrain during the landing roll out.
Flight Details
Both the instructor and the student said the carburetor heat was in the off position and the mixture was leaned to best power for the density altitude. The flaps were fully retracted. The pilots said the aircraft lifted off at about 60 knots and increased to about 65 knots; however, it would not accelerate beyond that point.
Post-Accident Examination
During the engine testing and subsequent disassembly, no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions were noted.