Accident Sequence
The aircraft was at 2,000 feet mean sea level when the engine's revolutions per minute decreased to idle. The engine then surged several times before settling back to idle. The pilot responded by moving the mixture and propeller controls to full, then retarding the throttle and advancing it again. He also switched fuel tanks, but none of these actions produced any change in engine power.
Landing and Overrun
Observing a private airstrip, the pilot entered a left downwind leg for a landing to the north. During the landing roll, he applied the brakes. The aircraft seemed to skid and accelerate. It overran the departure end of the 1,960-foot wet grass runway, passed through a fence, and the left wing struck a tree. The aircraft came to rest approximately 150 feet beyond the tree, with the engine still operating at idle.
Post-Incident Examination
On March 17, 1998, the engine was started and run while still installed in the aircraft. According to the engine manufacturer's representative, the engine ran normally except at idle, where it was very rough. The carburetor was removed and subjected to a teardown inspection on March 20, 1998. No anomalies were found.