Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain flying speed which resulted in a stall and a collision with the ground.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After a takeoff from a private sod airstrip, the pilot executed a steep left turn 200 feet above the ground. The airplane stalled and collided with trees within a quarter mile of the airport. No mechanical problems were reported with the airplane by the pilot.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 28, 1994, at 1557 central daylight time, a Mooney M20F, N9314V, collided with trees during a climbout from a private airstrip near Williston, Tennessee. 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 Williston at 1555 hours. According to an eyewitness, the pilot made a short field takeoff, and executed a steep left turn 200 feet above the ground. The witness watched the airplane until it collided with trees 1/4 mile south of the airport. According to the pilot, he encountered a tailwind, and the airplane stalled during the climbout. No aircraft problems were reported by the pilot. -