Accident Sequence
After completing a touch-and-go landing on runway 09, the airplane climbed to about 500 feet above ground level when the engine began to run roughly. The private pilot leveled the aircraft and initiated a turn back toward the airport. During the maneuver, the airplane changed direction, entered a steep descent, and approached the far end of runway 22 at a very high airspeed. It overran the runway and entered soft terrain. The nose gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over onto a fence.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported hearing the engine decrease in power, characterizing the sound as consistent with the pilot manually reducing power. The subsequent steep descent and high-speed approach to runway 22 were noted.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated that he had reset the engine controls just prior to the touch-and-go. After the engine began running roughly, he attempted to restart it. No efforts to secure the engine for landing were reported.
Post-Accident Examination
Immediately after the accident, the mixture control was found in a partially leaned position (two-thirds extended). Both fuel tanks were full. An examination of the engine and airframe revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. The pilot's most recent flight review had been conducted 37 months before the accident.