N2558

On February 19, 1997, at 1202 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-38, N2558N, was substantially damaged when it contacted trees and descended into terrain during takeoff from Parks Airpark near Nanjemoy, Maryland. The certificated private pilot reported a minor injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The local pleasure flight originated at Parks Airpark at approximately 1200 and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot reported that he "...needed more power to taxi..." because the turf was soft on the field. He said he lined up for departure on runway 18 and that there were tall trees on either side of the departure end. At the start of the takeoff roll, the pilot said he "...firewalled it. The plane started slow but during the takeoff roll it speeded up pretty good. At 56 to 57 knots I rotated. I got just to the top of the trees when I felt a gust. The airplane drifted to the left and struck a branch. The airplane cartwheeled to the left and descended through pine trees. On the way down, I noticed the windscreen was completely gone." The pilot reported that the airplane "...wedged into pine trees." He explained that the airplane came to rest nose down with the propeller buried approximately one foot into the turf. He said he released his seat belt and shoulder harness and "...slid right out the front over the engine cowling."

The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane. He said the airplane was "...running fine - lots of pep." An inspection of the airplane by Federal Aviation Administration Inspectors revealed no pre-impact anomalies.