ATL93LA158

After failing to develop sufficient power on the first takeoff attempt, the pilot rejected the takeoff and performed another runup check. On the second takeoff attempt, the engine lost power during climbout and the pilot was forced to land the airplane off-field. The left wing struck the ground on landing. Post accident examination of the aircraft's engine failed to reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice.

On September 12, 1993, at 1340 eastern daylight time, a Beech A- 23-19, N4763J, collided with the ground about 1000 feet from the departure end of the west runway at Zack Airport in Resaca, Georgia. The personal flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot received serious injuries. The flight departed Resaca, at 1339 hours.

During a telephone conversation with the pilot, he recalled attempting a takeoff, but rejected it due to sluggish takeoff performance. He returned to the ramp where his wife deplaned and he returned to the active runway. Before this takeoff attempt, the pilot completed another runup procedure; everything checked normal, including the carburetor heat. During climbout on the second attempt, the airplane lost power again. The pilot selected an emergency landing area and attempted a forced landing. As he maneuvered the airplane, the left wing struck the ground.

Examination of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical problem with the airframe or engine assembly. The engine examination disclosed that the carburetor assembly was torn from it's normally installed position and had sustained impact damage. Examination of the engine induction system also failed to reveal additional carburetor or engine debris. The examination of the wreckage disclosed crushing damage to the pilot's seat assembly, which included deformation to the seat attach fitting. Weather conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice (see attached icing probability curves).