Accident Details
Witnesses observed the airplane climb after departure from runway 15 when the engine coughed and sputtered. The engine rpm reportedly accelerated between two or three coughing/sputtering events. Subsequently, the left wing dropped, and the airplane rolled further left, descending below the tree line before impacting the surface of a small shallow pond approximately half a mile from the departure end of the runway.
Aircraft Information
The airplane was a 1948 Globe Swift. Prior to its purchase by the current owner in February 2006, it had been stored unused in a hangar for over 20 years. To prepare for an annual inspection, a number of inspections, adjustments, and component replacements were performed. The annual inspection was endorsed as completed on July 1, 2006. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated 5 flight hours since that inspection.
Weight and Balance
Based on the occupant weights and fuel load, the airplane was approximately 130 pounds over the maximum allowable gross weight at the time of the accident.
Investigation
Extensive examination of the airframe and engine did not identify any anomaly or malfunction that would have contributed to the loss of engine power.