Accident Overview
A student pilot was taxiing and leaned the fuel/air mixture. The pilot later did not recall enriching the mixture before beginning the takeoff roll. During the takeoff, the pilot heard a noise that could have been caused by a lean mixture setting.
Post-Accident Examination
After the accident, examination of the cockpit control panel revealed the mixture control in a leaned position.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the airplane's engine did not sound as if it was at full throttle during the takeoff. They also observed that the airplane 'wallowed' at an altitude of about 10 feet above ground level (AGL) for the entire length of the 4,009-foot runway.
Accident Sequence
The airplane continued to fly at low altitude and subsequently impacted trees at the end of the runway.