N39762

On August 13, 1994, at 1700 central daylight time, a Snow 600B, N39762, registered to Kyle E. Rich of Independence, Iowa, and piloted by a commercially certificated pilot, was substantially damaged during a collision with a ditch and terrain during an aborted takeoff. The pilot had aborted takeoff on Runway 35 (1,550' x 160' damp sod) at Grundy Center Municipal Airport, Grundy Center, Iowa. The 14 CFR Part 137 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries.

In a written statement, the pilot reported all indications were normal on the engine, instrument, and control checks prior to attempting to takeoff. He stated that at approximately 30 percent down the runway on the takeoff roll, "...I felt like I had hit something." The pilot stated he continued the takeoff roll, but realized that something was not normal. He then decided to abort the takeoff. In an attempt to stop the airplane, the pilot stated he pulled the control stick back. The airplane exited the end of the runway, crossed an adjacent road, and came to rest in a ditch. Damage to the airplane included the undercarriage being completely torn off.

No preimpact mechanical abnormalities were reported by the pilot. A postaccident examination preformed on the engine revealed low compression on the number 8 cylinder. The mechanic who performed the inspection stated he felt this was due to the engine being cold and possibly a valve which was not seating properly. He stated that has the engine been warm the compression would have been normal. The local area had received rain the night prior to the day of the accident. The condition of the field was soft and damp, but there was no standing water.