N9691W

On May 29, 1994, at 1310 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 140, N9691W, registered to Thomas J. Dillon Jr. of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and operated by an instrument rated commercial pilot, experienced a loss of control on initial climb from runway 27 (2,830' x 160' dry/turf) at Home Acres Sky Ranch, Lake City, Michigan, and impacted trees and terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported minor injuries. The passenger reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The flight was on departure at the time of the accident with an intended destination of Cadillac, Michigan.

The pilot stated that he was aware of the left crosswind because he landed and departed the same runway earlier that day. According to the pilot he departed and climbed 20 to 30 feet when he encountered no aileron or rudder control which drifted the airplane into the trees along the runway edge.

A witness who was located on a road west of the runway observed an airplane traveling westbound when he lost sight of the airplane because of a small dip. Once the airplane reappeared it was airborne approximately 8 feet above the ground when it impacted the trees.

Another witness who was located on a taxiway observed the airplane to initiate the takeoff run between taxiway Ida and Gallate. The airplane did not use all of the available runway for departure. The witness stated that the airplane bounced 10 feet high and started bobbing until it came to rest in the trees.

The witness stated that there was a gust of wind at the time of the accident.