Accident Details
On an unspecified date, a pilot conducted a takeoff roll during which he forced the aircraft off the runway. The pilot stated that he mistook a midspan crest on the runway as the departure end, and noted that other similar aircraft became airborne at that particular point. The premature rotation resulted in the aircraft becoming airborne in ground-effect, but it would not climb. The aircraft subsequently settled into trees approximately 100 yards beyond the airport boundary.
Pilot Report
The pilot further reported that he never observed an engine speed above 2,050 rpm throughout the entire takeoff run. Subsequent examination of the tachometer revealed that it was reading higher than the actual engine rpm. At an indicated 2,050 rpm, the actual rpm was approximately 1,650. The type-certificate data sheet specifies a redline of 2,350 rpm and a minimum static rpm of 1,950.
Tachometer History
The pilot stated that he installed the tachometer at some point between the 'Sun 'n' Fun' event in 1996 (where he believed he purchased the tachometer) and November 25, 1996, when the aircraft underwent its annual inspection.