N5949P

On September 10, 1995, at 1200 central daylight time, a Piper PA- 24-180, N5945P, was substantially damaged after colliding with a fence during takeoff at Kardys Airstrip, near Cibolo, Texas. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was being operated as a personal cross country flight to Victoria, Texas, under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported the following information in the Pilot/Operator Report. The takeoff roll was "somewhat slower than normal, but expected because of the longer grass." After reaching "lift off speed" the aircraft was rotated, and lifted off, but did not climb. As there was insufficient runway to land on, the pilot picked a spot of least resistance. Subsequently, the aircraft was flown through a fence.

In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot stated that, he knew he was slow during the takeoff roll, but did not abort because he was taught that it was safer to continue.

According to the FAA inspector, the airplane came to rest 78 feet past the departure end of the runway. The left wing and the horizontal stabilator were structurally damaged.