Incident Overview
A training flight involving an instructor and a student ended in a crash after the aircraft failed to climb during a touch-and-go maneuver. The instructor reported that the flight departed with approximately half a tank of fuel. The student indicated that the flight proceeded normally for 45 minutes to an hour prior to the accident.
Sequence of Events
According to both pilots, after applying full power on a touch-and-go and departing the runway, the aircraft did not climb at an acceptable rate. The student noted that the engine seemed to be running smoothly but without power. The aircraft's stall warning activated, prompting the instructor to take control. Despite applying full power, he was unable to arrest a 'shallow descent.' The aircraft subsequently crashed about 200 yards west of the end of the airstrip's runway.
Post-Accident Findings
Available data did not support a lack of aircraft climb capability for the density altitude conditions, excess aircraft gross weight, or a significant carburetor icing hazard. The student's carbon monoxide (CO) level was found to be slightly elevated after the accident, but the instructor's CO level was normal. Post-accident examinations of the aircraft's engine and exhaust system did not reveal any evidence of pre-accident defects.
Conclusion
The investigation did not identify a definitive cause for the loss of climb performance. No pre-existing mechanical issues were found, and environmental factors such as density altitude, weight, and carburetor icing were ruled out based on available data.