Pilot Account
The pilot reported performing a thorough preflight inspection, run-up, and takeoff checklist before departing from runway 05 at Spruce Creek Airport. Approximately 300 to 400 feet beyond the runway end, the engine began to surge and, after several surges, ceased operating entirely. To avoid houses and trees, the pilot attempted a turn toward runway 23. He performed pre-landing tasks, but during the approach to runway 23, he realized he would not reach it. He then landed in the only available open area for runway 5, maintaining a wings-level attitude. Upon touchdown, the airplane flipped onto its back and came to a stop.
Passenger Account
The passenger stated that they had flown the airplane on the flight immediately preceding the accident. During that flight's takeoff, he sensed something was wrong, detecting a smell of "smoke from the engine, or some kind of burning smell." They subsequently landed because of the issue. The passenger reported that the pilot did nothing other than "revved the engine before taking off again." On the accident takeoff, the passenger said they reached an altitude of about 100 feet above the treetops when the engine began stopping and starting. They lost altitude slowly at first, but as the pilot attempted to turn back toward the runway, they only reached a position perpendicular to the runway end before losing altitude drastically. The aircraft descended at an angle into a water ditch at the runway's end.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the airframe and engine. No preaccident anomalies were evident. Cold compression readings were low on cylinders but consistent with those expected from a Franklin engine. The inspector noted that when the engine was installed on the airframe, accessories had been swapped from another engine onto the accident engine.
The Bendix model PS-5C pressure carburetor was examined at an FAA certified repair facility under NTSB supervision. The manual mixture control had incurred damage, and dark deposits had baked onto the throttle body, consistent with an engine having operated very rich. A large amount of engine oil was found in the venturi area. During teardown, an air passage on the air side of the outer valve was found to have oil present, consistent with anomalies internal to the engine. The filter was clean, but residue and contamination were found under the screen.