Primary finding
Probable cause
The inadvertent stall during initial takeoff climb. A factor was the tall grass.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot lost control of the airplane during initial takeoff climb from a private airstrip after the left main landing gear became entangled on tall grass resulting in the airplane decelerating below stall speed. The airplane impacted the terrain damaging the right wing during the subsequent landing.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 7, 1994, at 1500 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N1382T, was substantially damaged during takeoff near England, Arkansas. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. According to the pilot, the left main landing gear tire became entangled in tall grass while departing to the south from a private grass strip. The pilot added that the tall grass decelerated the airplane to the point that airspeed and directional control could not be maintained. The airplane came to rest in a cotton field adjacent to the airstrip with damage to the right wing. -