BFO94LA133

The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the instructor's inadequate supervision.

The instructor and student were on a training flight when the airplane struck trees during takeoff on runway 21. The instructor reported they were doing a short field takeoff, when the student 'froze' at the control wheel. The instructor was unable to regain control of the airplane, which drifted right and struck trees at the end and right of the runway. According to the student pilot, who had 39 hours of total time, the airplane was flying in ground effect, but would not gain altitude. Witnesses reported the airplane lifted off, with a high pitch- right bank attitude.

On August 12, 1993, a Beech 23, N2341L, an instructional flight, collided with trees during initial take off climb near Freeport, Pennsylvania. The visual meteorolgical conditions existed. The certified flight instructor received minor injuries; the student pilot was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The local area instructional flight was being operated by Neal Plocki of New Kensington, Pennsylvania. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The instructor reported, "after normal (engine) run-up, attempted takeoff. At rotation, aircraft lifted off ground, then dropped back on wheels. On the next rotation attempt, aircraft was flying in ground effect, but would not gain altitude. At this point, power was reduced and instructor steered aircraft to an area to right of runway to an area of trees. The right wing was sheared off, and the left side of aircraft struck trees." According to the FAA, "Witnesses stated the aircraft lifted off with a high nose attiude and a low right wing. It continued to fly down the runway, drifting to the right until it hit trees . . . The instructor stated that they were executing a short field takeoff when the studen "froze" on the controls and the instructor could not get control of the aircraft from the student. -