Accident Sequence
The pilot was landing on a 3,500-foot-long runway oriented 300 degrees magnetic. Prior to touchdown, the pilot decided to execute a touch-and-go landing. After touchdown, the pilot moved the carburetor heat to the "cold" position and applied power for takeoff. The engine then "stumbled and popped," prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff by applying hard braking. The airplane departed the end of the runway and impacted snow and ice beyond the runway edge. The collision caused substantial damage to the engine firewall.
Witness Observation
A witness reported observing the airplane "level off" at "the first one-third point" of the runway and continue down the runway at an altitude of approximately 15 feet and an estimated speed of 70 knots. The witness stated that the airplane touched down "on the last quarter of the runway" and that he heard tires "squealing."
Examination and Weather
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane after the accident and identified no mechanical malfunctions or failures. The recorded weather observation around the time of the accident included winds from 230 degrees at 11 knots, with gusts to 19 knots.