Incident Overview
The pilot of a Cessna 182P experienced unexpected takeoff performance and subsequently aborted the departure, resulting in the aircraft coming to rest in a bog beyond the runway end.
Pilot's Account
In a written statement, the private pilot reported that the airplane did not rotate when expected. When it finally became airborne, the engine was not producing full RPM. The pilot described the flight controls as "mushy" and decided to abort the takeoff from an altitude of approximately 20 feet above ground level (AGL). The airplane touched down beyond the departure end of the runway, in a bog, and nosed over.
Operational Details
The pilot attributed the lack of aircraft performance to several factors: a high density altitude (estimated at 7,698 feet MSL) and a 10-knot tailwind during takeoff. Additionally, the pilot noted that the propeller control knob was incorrectly set to a high-pitch, low-RPM configuration during the takeoff. The pilot also stated that the before-takeoff checklist had not been completed prior to departure. According to the Cessna 182P Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), Section 4, the before-takeoff checklist specifies that the propeller should be placed in the "high RPM (full in)" position before takeoff.