Champion 7AC N83578 accident near Gorham, New Hampshire

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff after the airplane’s initial failure to climb.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane’s preflight inspection, runup, and takeoff roll were normal. He stated that, after becoming airborne, the airplane settled back to the runway, and he attempted to climb the airplane again but was unsuccessful. On the third attempt, the airplane lifted off but never achieved more than 20 ft of altitude. It then impacted trees about 90 ft beyond the departure end of the runway.

The wooden propeller exhibited signs of rotational damage, indicating it was likely under some power; there was leading edge damage, and the outboard section of the propeller blades were splintered. The airplane was under gross weight at departure. Although a postaccident examination of the engine revealed that one of the cylinders indicated low compression, the examination was not accomplished with oversight of a Federal Aviation Administration inspector; a follow-up examination was not possible. Weather at the time of the accident was not conducive to the formation of carburetor ice.

It is likely that the engine experienced a partial loss of power during the takeoff roll and subsequent attempted climb; however, the reason for the reduction of engine power and subsequent airplane performance could not be determined. In addition, instead of making repeated attempts to climb, the pilot should have aborted the takeoff at the first sign that the airplane would not climb.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA220 for the full record.