Incident Overview
A pilot reported that it took two hours to start the right engine of the accident airplane. During the subsequent takeoff roll, the right engine lost power. A witness observed the pilot and the airplane on the ramp prior to the flight, where the pilot stated that the starter for the right engine was inoperative and would not start that engine.
Witness Account
The witness had a clear view of the first 700 feet of runway 10. He saw the accident airplane proceed down the runway with the right engine not running. The right engine's propeller blades were stationary, positioned at the 4 and 10 o'clock positions. The left engine revved for takeoff, and the airplane rolled down the runway. During the roll, the airplane moved to the right side of the runway, then power was reduced. The airplane realigned with the runway's centerline, and the left engine revved up again.
Examination
After the accident, examination of the scene revealed three trails in the terrain past the paved departure end of the runway. These trails led up to a telephone switching box and a berm.