N97168

On April 26, 2001, at 0600 eastern daylight time, a Stinson 108, N97168, was substantially damaged during take-off from White Post Airport (3VA7), White Post, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot was en route to Kentucky to attend a business meeting scheduled at 1000.

During a telephone interview, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector said she had a telephone conversation with the pilot. According to the inspector, the pilot reported that he pulled the airplane from his hangar the night before and left it tied down outside overnight, so he could save time the next morning. According to the inspector, the pilot said that frost covered the airplane prior to take-off, but he did not remove it because he was in a hurry, and had "get-there-itis." The pilot also told the inspector that the accident was his fault and he knew better.

In a written statement, the pilot said:

"Aircraft had light frost layer all over and was unable to get airborne on take-off, crashing into neighboring fence."

Another FAA inspector performed an on-scene examination. In a written statement, the inspector said:

"During take-off roll, aircraft veered left off runway, went through barbed wire fence, then struck 6 foot rock/dirt mound, came to rest approx. 150 yards beyond mound, struck ground nose down. State Police observed frost on the aircraft. Additionally, the grass on the private strip was approximately 9-inches tall and wet."

Runway 4/22 was a 2,000 foot long by 75-foot wide grass runway.

Weather at Winchester Regional Airport (OKV), Winchester, Virginia, at 0602, were calm winds, temperature 32 degrees F, and dewpoint 32 degrees F.

The pilot reported 3,100 total flight hours, of which 950 hours were in make and model. The pilot also reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Additionally, when asked how this accident could have been prevented, the pilot recommended, "De-ice aircraft thoroughly!"