Posted for "Gerard O Connell" <goconnell@dodo.com.au>:

 Recently an instructor friend was taking a Glassair for a "run" out of
Moorabbin airport Melbourne.  He too had a significant loss of power
immediately after lift off. He managed to put the aircraft back on the ground
but over ran the runway and incurred significant damage to the nose wheel
going through a ditch. He narrowly missed some concrtete posts which were
marking a track used by the airposrt vehicles. These have since been removed.
 
 The aircraft had been sitting outside for several weeks. Suspected cause is
either a sunken carburettor float or water in the fuel. This was not detected
prior to take off. The instructor is meticulous at checking and rocking wings
etc.
 
 He walked away but suspects some degree of whiplash-now experiences shoulder
and neck pain.
 
 Apparently there were several mods suggested for the carby in this aircraft
and it is thought these were not performed.
 
 Regards
 
 Gerard