Accident Details
On July 22, 2012, at approximately 1400 central daylight time, a Luscombe 8A (registration N71743) struck trees during takeoff from runway 17 at Kittie Hill Airport (77T), near Leander, Texas. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, wing struts, fuselage, and horizontal tail. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that after starting the engine, he performed a pre-takeoff run-up, checking the magnetos and carburetor heat. During the carburetor heat check, he noted a slight drop in rpm, which he considered normal. He then taxied to the runway. During takeoff, the airplane accelerated normally but would not climb once airborne. The pilot believed the engine was not producing full power. Unable to build airspeed, he pulled the control stick back to stall the airplane into trees. The airplane struck trees and terrain about three-quarters of the way down the runway on the west side. In his written report, the pilot stated he thought the engine may have developed carburetor ice between the run-up and takeoff.
In a telephone interview, the pilot described his carburetor heat check procedure: apply carburetor heat, note a slight rpm drop to confirm valve operation, then pull throttle to idle to ensure engine idled with heat on. He added that he did not leave the carburetor heat on for more than a few seconds at increased rpm.
Weather Conditions
At 1348, the Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU), about 9 miles northeast, reported wind 170 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, few clouds at 12,000 feet, temperature 88°F, dew point 72°F, and altimeter 30.01 inHg. Density altitude at the accident site (field elevation about 3,347 feet) was calculated using GTU data. According to FAA SAIB CE-09-35, the temperature and dew point were conducive for serious icing at glide power settings. The chart did not differentiate between glide power and reduced throttle settings such as during taxi.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination revealed no pre-impact anomalies, though an engine run was not performed. The FAA inspector performed a weight and balance calculation using aircraft weight and balance information from the glove compartment and pilot/passenger weights as reported. With full fuel and oil, the calculated loaded weight was 1,423 pounds. The maximum gross weight for the airplane is 1,400 pounds. On his written report, the pilot listed a gross weight at takeoff of 1,392 pounds.