Incident Overview
The pilot reported that during the pretakeoff engine run-up, no malfunctions were noted. After takeoff, during the initial climb at an altitude between 100 and 200 feet above ground level, the engine ‘bogged down.’ The pilot attempted to regain power by adjusting the throttle and mixture controls, but reported that ‘nothing happened.’ Unable to restore engine power, the pilot aborted the flight.
Ground Impact and Examination
Responding sheriff deputies observed evidence that the airplane first struck the ground approximately 803 feet north of the runway’s departure end. The airplane then impacted an irrigation ditch before coming to rest 97 feet north of the ditch.
Post-Accident Inspection
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted an examination of the airplane. No evidence was found of any blockage in the fuel system screens or lines. The throttle and mixture controls were intact and functional. The magnetos operated normally. The engine was operated to a low power level, and no malfunctions were noted. The fuel tanks were found to be at least half full of fuel. Additionally, no anomalies were found with the fuel selector handle. The computed density altitude was 5,800 feet.