Event Description
The pilot reported that after rotation during the initial climb, the airspeed began to decrease. In response, he lowered the nose slightly to counter the decreasing airspeed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck the ground.
Witness Statements
Personnel at the fixed-base operator (FBO) stated that the pilot attempted to takeoff when ground visibility was 150 feet in heavy fog. The FBO line person who fueled the aircraft just prior to departure recalled having to scrape ice away from the fuel filler ports on the wings in order to open the fuel caps. The line person described the ice as resembling frozen dew and being very rough in character.
Physical Evidence
An FAA inspector reported finding a series of propeller slashes in the ground just beyond the end of the runway. A path of ground scars led through a damaged fence and terminated at the aircraft wreckage about one-eighth of a mile from the runway end.
Examination
No discrepancies were noted in the examination of the aircraft or engine.