Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's perception that the airplane was not climbing normally, which precipitated an aborted landing with insufficient runway remaining to stop the airplane safely.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the short takeoff and landing airplane reported that during takeoff, the airplane's engine was producing normal rpm, and "the aircraft lifted off about halfway down the runway but did not climb normally." The pilot aborted the takeoff, landed beyond the departure end of the runway, and impacted a building. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. A post-accident inspection by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI) revealed that the carburetor was disconnected, however post impact or pre-impact separation of the carburetor could not be determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the short takeoff and landing airplane reported that during takeoff, the airplane's engine was producing normal rpm, and "the aircraft lifted off about halfway down the runway but did not climb normally." The pilot aborted the takeoff, landed beyond the departure end of the runway, and impacted a building. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage. A post-accident inspection by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI) revealed that the carburetor was disconnected, however post impact or pre-impact separation of the carburetor could not be determined.