Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to attain adequate airspeed and his premature liftoff which resulted in a stall mush and collision with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during takeoff as the airplane accelerated 2/3 down the runway the airplane lifted off initially then settled back onto the runway. He stated that he continued the takeoff and the engine started to sputter. He stated that the airplane reached an altitude of about 50 to 100 feet above the ground and he stalled the airplane into the trees 100 to 200 yards from the end of the runway. The airplane was removed from the accident site and examined by the FAA. The examination did not disclose any anomalies that would caused the malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 23, 1994, at 1045 eastern daylight time, N40051, a Piper PA 32R-300, operated by Tanager Corporation of Brighton, Michigan, sustained substantial damage during takeoff at Seven Springs Airport, Seven Springs, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot received minor injuries while his two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was operated under 14 CFR 91. The pilot reported that during takeoff as the airplane accelerated 2/3 down the runway the airplane lifted off initially then settled back onto the runway. He stated that he continued to takeoff and that at about 50 to 100 feet above the ground the engine started to sputter. The pilot stated that he stalled the airplane into the trees about 100 to 200 yards from the end of the runway. The airplane was removed from the accident site and examined by the FAA. The examination included placing the engine on a test stand and no anomalies were noted. -