Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to obtain/maintain altitude/clearance.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and three passengers were departing for a short cross country flight. The pilot stated that the airplane lifted off and began to climb, but was not able to clear trees off the end of the runway. A post accident examination of the airplane failed to reveal any pre-existing mechanical anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 13, 1995, at 2100 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 180, N3625R, registered to an individual and operated by a private pilot, impacted trees and the terrain 500 feet west of the departure end of the west runway at the Roberts' Landing, a private airport, near Lowell, Michigan. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and three passengers reported minor injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with an intended destination of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Pilot stated that the airplane lifted off and "slowly began to climb;" however, the airplane failed to clear the trees off the west end of the runway. The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane. A post accident examination failed to reveal any pre-existent mechanical anomalies. -