Accident Summary
On an unspecified date, a commercial certificated pilot was conducting a departure from his private airstrip on runway 24. The airstrip is 2,200 feet long and situated at an elevation of 1,875 feet above mean sea level. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported applying full engine power and having the carburetor heat control in the off position. The airplane lifted off to approximately 20 feet above ground level near the departure end of the runway. Perceiving a lack of climb performance, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff by closing the engine throttle and intentionally stalling the airplane into trees at the end of the runway.
Pilot Actions
In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that he pushed the carburetor heat control off when initiating the takeoff run. However, in the narrative portion of the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot indicated that the carburetor heat control was out (heat was on). The pilot further explained that the airplane did not seem to be climbing after liftoff, leading to his decision to abort the departure. The subsequent collision with trees resulted in damage to the wings, fuselage, and landing gear.
Weather Conditions
The pilot reported the weather conditions at the time of the accident as follows: broken clouds at about 6,000 feet, unlimited visibility, temperature approximately 62 degrees Fahrenheit, and light wind from 240 degrees.