Accident Overview
On June 28, 2021, at approximately 1400 eastern daylight time, a Consolidated Aeronautics Inc. Lake LA-4-200 airplane, registration N963L, was involved in an accident near Mio, Michigan. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he obtained fuel at the departure airport and checked for water in the fuel during the preflight inspection. An engine run-up was performed before takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the tachometer indicated 200 rpm below normal. Despite this, the pilot continued the takeoff. After liftoff, the airspeed remained at 65 mph. The pilot turned the airplane east to return to the airport. He verified that the electric fuel pump switch was in the on position and that the throttle and mixture controls were fully forward. The airplane subsequently descended and impacted trees.
Post-Accident Actions
The airplane owner did not provide the engine to an engine overhaul facility as requested by the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge assigned to the accident.