Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During takeoff from the 1,000 foot, down-hill sloped grass field, the airplane became airborne, but impacted a barbed wire fence at the end of the field. The passenger in the airplane reported that the grass in the field was approximately 2 to 3 feet high. The airplane came to rest in a ditch along the side of the road that the barbed wire fence bordered. Numerous attempts to obtain a completed pilot/operator report of the accident were unsuccessful.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 8, 1996, at 1700 central daylight time, a Piper PA-18, N7467D, registered to and operated by a private owner, sustained substantial damage during takeoff near Palestine, Texas. The private pilot was seriously injured, and his passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91. A flight plan was not filed for the local flight that was originating at the time of the accident. During a takeoff to the east from a 1,000 foot, down-hill sloped grass field, the airplane became airborne, but impacted a barbed wire fence at the end of the field. The passenger in the airplane reported that the grass in the field was approximately 2 to 3 feet high. The airplane came to rest in a ditch along the side of the road that the barbed wire fence bordered. Both wings, the empennage, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. Numerous attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) were unsuccessful. -