Accident Overview
On February 18, 2010, at 0838 Pacific standard time, a Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation G-164B (registration N6774Q) operating under 14 CFR Part 137 for TLC Flying, Inc. lost partial engine power during takeoff and collided with terrain. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed; no flight plan was filed. The pilot was not injured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the empennage and wings.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the aircraft was loaded with fertilizer and fuel for the first flight of the day. He did not apply carburetor heat during taxi, but the run-up and carburetor heat checks were satisfactory. During takeoff, the engine did not perform as it normally did. The pilot attempted to dump the fertilizer, but the airplane subsequently collided with terrain in a nearby field. The pilot stated that as the airplane rolled down the runway, he felt the engine was not producing enough power to fly, but he was forced to continue the takeoff due to uneven terrain off the end of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane and engine after the accident. Fuel was present and appeared uncontaminated. The throttle quadrant and carburetor heat controls were continuous to the engine. Examination of the magnetos and carburetor revealed no mechanical abnormalities. The inspector was unable to test-run the engine due to damage to the propeller and engine, but noted the engine was not seized. No mechanical anomalies were identified. The inspector reported that the pilot stated he checked the carburetor heat operation prior to takeoff.
Carburetor Icing Considerations
Review of the carburetor icing probability chart indicated that the temperature (8°C) and dew point (-1°C) were conducive to serious icing conditions at glide power.