Accident Overview
The accident occurred during a short field takeoff on a runway covered with snow. According to the pilot's statement, the airplane lifted off at 80 mph after he pulled back on the yoke at 70 mph. However, the airplane settled back to the runway, lifted off again, and continued beyond the departure end of the runway. The pilot reported that the airplane would not climb or accelerate, and he was concerned about striking trees beyond the runway. As the airplane descended, the pilot applied full flaps to cushion the impact. The airplane landed in the runway overrun and nosed over.
Pilot's Account
In a written statement to the NTSB, the pilot indicated that he believed the accident was precipitated by a partial loss of engine power. He had chosen to perform a short field takeoff despite the runway being covered with 2 inches of snow. The pilot applied back pressure on the yoke at 70 mph, and the airplane lifted off at 80 mph. After the initial liftoff, the airplane settled back onto the runway, then lifted off again but failed to gain altitude. Concerned about trees beyond the runway, the pilot prepared for an impact and deployed full flaps as the airplane descended.
Engine Investigation
A postaccident engine run revealed a partial loss of engine power and an erratic firing spark plug. This finding aligns with the pilot's report of a partial engine power loss during the takeoff.