Incident Overview
A pilot was departing from a turf runway measuring 2,000 feet in length. After becoming airborne, he reported a change in the engine or propeller sound, followed by a perception that the airplane was slowing and settling. In response, he aborted the takeoff and touched down on the runway. However, he was unable to stop before the end, resulting in a runway overrun.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft crossed a road adjacent to the runway, during which the nose wheel separated from the fuselage. The airplane continued and came to rest in a pond.
Post-Accident Examination
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a test run of the engine at takeoff power for five minutes, noting no variation in revolutions per minute (rpm). When the propeller control was placed in the cruise power range, between 2,200 and 2,300 rpm, the propeller exhibited a tendency to hunt, fluctuating plus or minus 50 rpm.
The manufacturer of the propeller governor subsequently tested the unit. Their examination revealed that the rpm setting was higher than specified. Upon disassembly, the unit was found to be worn, with sludge and small particles trapped inside the gasket screen.