Accident Overview
A post-crash investigation revealed that the pilot did not perform an engine run-up before takeoff. During the takeoff roll, not all available runway was used, and witnesses described the acceleration as 'sluggish.' The airplane rotated approximately 500 feet from the departure end of the runway and climbed to an estimated 75–100 feet above ground level while maintaining a 'very high angle of attack.' Subsequently, the airplane rolled to the right, struck trees, the roof of a barn, and the ground, coming to rest inverted.
Engine Examination
Examination of the engine after the accident found that the carburetor heat was partially engaged. The control cable for the carburetor heat was disconnected from the control arm at the carburetor heat air box assembly. The castellated nut securing the cable was not safetied. The engine had been installed approximately one month before the accident.
Calculated Ground Roll
The takeoff ground roll was calculated to be about 1,100 feet.