PS. DAR should have done the carb mice check before take off - most pilots think this is for carb ice only, but if carb miceing is present, the engine will stop on the ground.
Excellent!
My two cats have been firmly instructed that they are to earn their keep at the hangar, as well as the house!
Interestingly, I had checked carb heat operation prior to takeoff, as I always do, and did not detect any abnormallity on the ground. I would agree that a full power runup carb heat check probably would have dislodged the mouse nest at a much more opportune time. I'm always more pleased when my forced approaches are practiced, not actual!
The induction hose for the carb airbox inlet now has a criss cross lockwire "screen" to prevent a reoccurance of this startling situation.
Pilot DAR