N2993G

On September 16, 2000, at 1930 central daylight time, a Champion, 7GCBC, N2993G, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it impacted an embankment during an aborted takeoff from a meadow, 50 miles southwest of Valentine, Nebraska. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported minor injuries. The passenger on board the airplane reported no injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

In his written statement, the pilot said that during his takeoff roll, he noticed he wasn't gaining any lift. "[I was] Coming to the end of the runway and I knew I wasn't going to get off, so I tried to shut airplane power down, but was too late." The pilot said the airplane struck a road embankment, slid across the road, and impacted on the other side into a ditch. The pilot said "the heat and density altitude were high."

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane at the Valentine Municipal Airport, Valentine, Nebraska. The airplane's nose, to include the propeller, cowling, engine, engine mounts and firewall, was crushed aft. The windscreen was broken out. The instrument panel was bent aft. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the engine, engine controls and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies.