Accident Sequence
The pilot initiated takeoff. When the airplane covered about one-third of the runway—some 1,060 feet—the pilot anticipated it would be airborne. By the time it reached two-thirds of the runway (approximately 2,120 feet), he concluded something was wrong. He rotated the aircraft at 40 knots, and it lifted off.
After becoming airborne, the pilot noted the engine seemed to lack full power, describing it as "sluggish and lacking horsepower." He briefly engaged carburetor heat and attempted to adjust the mixture control; these actions did not resolve the performance issue.
The airplane bounced once in a field. The pilot then landed on an interstate median, where the aircraft nosed over in muddy terrain.
Post-Accident Findings
An examination found no evidence of mechanical malfunction. Weight and balance calculations provided by the pilot showed the aircraft exceeded its maximum gross takeoff weight by 184 pounds. Performance data for the aircraft at its maximum gross weight suggested it should have been airborne within less than 600 feet of runway.