Champion 7GCBC Citabria | N3464D

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot failed to reject the takeoff early in the takeoff run, with an engine that was not producing proper thrust. The aircraft used most of the runway and did become airborne, but was observed to be not climbing, with an engine sound that was less than normal. It is likely that the pilot did encounter a reduction of thrust on takeoff, and was forced to raise the nose due to ever increasing terrain height. The aircraft eventually stalled and rolled left, impacting nearly vertical. It is unclear at this time whether the engine stopped completely before the stall.

The DTSB recommends that all pilot of all aircraft use should harnesses, and review and become conditioned for the proper response to ROTOT, and be prepared to abort any takeoff based on the AQP 50/70 rule. If in the air, pilots should commit to a wings level full stall power off landing into the tops of trees at the lowest speed possible.