Engine Power Loss and Tail Strike During Takeoff from Private Airstrip (N21394)

Accident Sequence

The single-engine airplane impacted brush and trees during takeoff from an 850-foot-long private airstrip. The private pilot reported noticing a momentary loss of engine power shortly after takeoff power was applied. The engine power returned for the remainder of the takeoff roll; however, because the aircraft lost some acceleration at the beginning of the takeoff, the pilot stated that the "remainder of the field was required to obtain flying speed." The airplane started to climb, but its tail impacted a bush at the end of the airstrip, which the pilot reported "slowed the aircraft to stall speed." The pilot attempted not to stall the airplane before it impacted two trees.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, the engine was test run at the salvage facility. The engine ran through various power settings, including maximum power, with no anomalies noted.