Preflight and Startup
The pilot conducted a pre-flight inspection of the airplane inside her hangar. Although the hangar was unheated and the temperature was below freezing, the engine had been warmed using a pre-heater and an engine blanket. During the inspection, the pilot did not observe any ice crystals in the fuel sample. After starting the engine, the airplane remained on the ground for some time. The pilot leaned the mixture and applied carburetor heat for at least 10 minutes, until just before takeoff, when the carburetor temperature was noted to be 20 degrees Celsius. She then secured the carburetor heat.
Takeoff Attempt
During the takeoff roll, the engine did not achieve full power, though it operated smoothly. The pilot observed less-than-normal manifold pressure, but was uncertain of the exact difference. She also noticed that the usual right rudder inputs were not needed to maintain directional control. Approximately two-thirds of the way down the 1,800-foot turf runway, the pilot became concerned about the engine power. She judged that stopping was not feasible and believed the airplane could become airborne and clear a hedgerow at the runway's end. However, after takeoff, the airplane failed to clear the hedgerow. The runway was frozen with rutting but had no snow cover. The pilot owned the runway and had not previously established a go/no-go point. Under normal conditions, the airplane would become airborne within 500 to 600 feet.
Post-Accident Examination
Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the airplane after the accident and found no mechanical anomalies. The carburetor was removed and examined at an engine overhaul facility, where the mechanic noted no conditions that would have prevented normal carburetor function. Using ambient temperature and dew point readings from three surrounding airports, carburetor icing charts indicated no probability of icing due to low temperatures. At the nearest airport, approximately the time of the accident, the interpolated temperature and dew point were 6 degrees Fahrenheit and 0 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.