19971125043989A

Power loss on takeoff. Collided with trees and power lines. Conditions exsisted for carb. Ice. (.4)during the initial climb after a normal takeoff, the airplane experienced a gradual loss of engine power. While turning to avoid some houses, the airplane struck power lines and impacted terrain. Examination of the log books revealed this was the airplane's first flight since an annual inspection had been completed. At that time, the airplane's carburetor was removed, disassembled and it's two piece venturi was replaced with a one piece venturi, per precision airmotive service bulletin # MSA-2. Also, the airplane had not been flown for over a month prior to the accident. On-scene examination of the airplane did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact failure of the airframe or engine. An engine run-up and a carburetor tear-down and flow check did not disclose any evidence of malfunction. Automotive gasoline was being used as fuel per a supplemental type certificate. At an airport about 21 miles southeast of the accident site, the wind was reported to be from 200 degrees at 11 gusting 17 knots. The temperature and dew point were rep orted to be 34 and 23 degrees, respectively. According to icing probability charts, conditions were conductive to possible carburetor icing; however, carburetor icing was not verified. The pilot had checked the carburetor heat before takeoff, but did not report engaging it after the engine started losing power. (-23) pilot back taxied on runway for departure off runway 28 at 7G8, Geauga County Airport, Middlefield, Ohio. After getting airborne, the aircraft struck powerlines and trees approx. 3/10 miles wsw of the airport. A witness said the engine was running rough on take-off. 2 witnesses immediately adjacent the scene noted no engine noise was heard as they viewed the aircraft impact the power lines. The aircraft impacted the ground at an approximate 45 degree nose down attitude. The cause of engine power loss is under investigation