Summary
A pilot with approximately 93 hours of flight experience reported that during a departure from runway 24, an engine vibration began at an estimated 100 to 150 feet above the surface. The pilot lost airspeed, attempted to regain it by lowering the nose and adjusting flaps, but continued to lose airspeed and eventually impacted the ground after turning left. A witness observed the airplane porpoising during the takeoff roll and heard the stall warning horn. Postaccident examination found the mixture control in the full forward position. The calculated density altitude at the time was 8,734 feet.
Narrative
According to the pilot, after completing an engine run-up, he departed using full power. At approximately 100 to 150 feet above ground, a vibration began from the engine. The pilot immediately began losing airspeed. He lowered the nose to regain airspeed and set some flaps, then gradually raised the nose. After checking settings, he again lost airspeed, lowered the nose, raised it again, and continued to lose airspeed. He then began looking for a place to set down. The pilot turned left approximately 90 degrees, then left another 45 degrees before the airplane impacted the ground.
Witness Accounts
A witness reported that the accident pilot "porpoised the airplane during takeoff roll, and I could hear his stall warning horn going off."
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the mixture control was in the full forward position.
Pilot Information
The pilot reported having approximately 93 hours of flight experience. This was his first flying trip to Colorado.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the accident, the density altitude was calculated to be 8,734 feet.