Incident Description
Prior to departure, the engine run-up revealed no anomalies. After receiving clearance for takeoff on runway 2, which is 8,342 feet long and 150 feet wide, the pilot applied full power and verified that the propeller controls were in the full forward position. The pilot later reported that after several seconds at full power, the aircraft appeared sluggish in developing airspeed to reach the rotation speed of 64 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS). The pilot attributed this to the density altitude and full fuel load. Following rotation at 'red line Vx speed,' the pilot lowered the nose in an attempt to achieve 'blue line' airspeed, but the airplane would not accelerate beyond Vx speed. The pilot sensed that the engines were not delivering full power.
Pilot Actions
Recognizing the lack of acceleration, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff and attempted to land back on the remaining runway. The aircraft touched down on the runway with the landing gear retracted. Throughout the attempted takeoff, the pilot noted no abnormal indications on the engine instruments.
Post-Flight Examination
A thorough examination of both the airframe and engines found no anomalies. The calculated density altitude at the time was 8,180 feet mean sea level. In the NTSB Pilot Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1), the pilot's recommendation in the 'How could this accident have been prevented' section stated: 'Should have aborted take off earlier on ground roll.'