Event Description
A pilot initiated an intersection takeoff from near the middle of the runway. According to the pilot, she did not lean the mixture or check the density altitude before beginning the takeoff roll. She reported no mechanical problems with the airplane. During the takeoff attempt, she realized that insufficient engine power was being produced to lift off before reaching the end of the runway. She aborted the takeoff, but the airplane overran the runway's end and collided with rough terrain.
Density Altitude Conditions
The calculated density altitude at the time of the incident was approximately 7,100 feet. The pilot had not accounted for this condition prior to the takeoff.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that she did not lean the mixture, a procedure typically performed to optimize engine performance at higher density altitudes. She also did not perform a density altitude check before the takeoff. The combination of these omissions likely resulted in decreased engine power, leading to the aborted takeoff and subsequent collision.