20050710016739A

(-23) Witnesses, which were pilots, and located near a hangar approximately one-third of the way down runway 09, stated that the aircraft taxied to runway 09. They heard what sounded like a run-up check. When the aircraft passed abeam of their location on the takeoff roll, the witnesses stated that it sounded like the aircraft only had partial power, estimated about 1600 RPM, and was rolling very slow for that point on a takeoff roll. They thought the aircraft might be taxiing to the opposite runway. The engine of aircraft tow equipment starting then distracted the witnesses. After the distraction witnesses looked toward the east hoping to see the aircraft climbing out, but instead saw smoke. Investigation revealed that the aircraft's left wing tip impacted the ground approximately 700 feet beyond the departure end of runway 09, approximately 33 feet further the propeller struck the ground, along with red and white paint transfer marks, approximately 73 feet further the aircraft came to rest. The aircraft hit left wing low and the engine was crushed upward from the lower left underside and had been displaced to the right. The right wing's trailing edge contacted a cable guy wire from a power/telephone pole. The guy wire cut into the wing from the trailing edge forward and tore into the fuel tank. The passenger escaped with serious injuries. Passersby helped with his rescue. The passersby were unable to rescue the pilot prior to the aircraft catching fire and burning. The pilot died in the ensuing fire. Investigation of the aircraft and engine components (to the extent possible due to fire damage), has not revealed any pre-impact damage or malfunction.(-23 amendment) on 09-20-05, a copy of the passenger statement was received from the NTSB investigator. According to the statement, the passenger was not aware of any anomalies prior to takeoff. The passenger did state that, "we lost power after takeoff." Prior to receiving the written passenger statement, neither the NTSB nor the FAA were able to interview the passenger due to attorney intervention. In addition, a witness outside her home working in the garden stated that she heard an airplane approaching her location and the engine sounded like it was at a low RPM compared to other airplanes when they fly by. She looked towards the sound and observed the airplane at a very low attitude and figured the reason for the low RPM was because the terrain that is in the vicinity of the home blocked the sound.