Takeoff and Initial Climb
The certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot planned a short field takeoff to the west from a 2,000-foot private grass strip. The student was on the controls for the takeoff, and one notch of flaps was used. The main gear lifted off the ground, and the airplane "achieved ground effect," but would not climb. The airplane was nose high, and the student then passed the controls to the CFI.
CFI's Actions
The CFI lowered the nose and waited for the airspeed to reach 63 KIAS. At 63 KIAS, he applied back pressure on the yoke to start a climb. As he did so, the airspeed "reduced rapidly." The CFI then applied forward pressure to regain 63 KIAS and attempted to climb again, but experienced the same result: "the airspeed dissipated rapidly." The CFI noted "there seemed to be some sort of thrust or power shortage causing the airplane not to climb."
Engine Indications and Impact
The student pilot observed that the temperature and pressure gauge were in the "green" and the tachometer showed 2600 RPM. The airplane cleared a 3-foot fence but then impacted a house at the end of the runway. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunction.
Post-Accident Inspection
A static test run was performed on the engine, and no discrepancies were noted.