Event Summary
After completing an annual inspection, a private pilot departed from a private airstrip adjacent to the maintenance facility. The airstrip surface was muddy and wet, with puddles of standing water. According to the pilot, the sky was overcast at about 5,500 feet, visibility was approximately 50 miles, and the temperature was around 45°F.
Takeoff and Engine Power Loss
During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the aircraft encountered a puddle, causing water to splash over the windshield. After becoming airborne and reaching about 50 feet above ground level, the engine power began to decrease slowly. The pilot noted no engine roughness or sputtering. As the engine rpm decreased, the airplane lost altitude.
Emergency Landing
The pilot selected an emergency landing area in a snow-covered field. During the landing, the airplane spun to the left, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing struck the ground. The pilot reported that the aircraft sustained damage to the right landing gear, right wing, and fuselage.
Post-Accident Examination
The airplane was retrieved and examined by the maintenance facility mechanic and the pilot. No mechanical malfunction was found. The mechanic later reported to an FAA inspector that during the takeoff roll the airplane encountered several puddles of water. The mechanic also stated that "the temperature and environmental conditions were ideal for carburetor icing, and poor runway conditions were a contributing factor in the accident."