N56796

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-28-140S/N: 28-7425037

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, September 22, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA585
Location
Maryville, TN
Event ID
20121001X50911
Coordinates
35.507778, -84.068885
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to plan and execute a takeoff that assured obstacle clearance at the departure end of the runway, which resulted in a collision with trees.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N56796
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-7425037
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1973
Model / ICAO
PA-28-140P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
HUNT JAMES W
Address
504 GILLENWATER RD
Status
Deregistered
City
MARYVILLE
State / Zip Code
TN 37801-0938
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot/owner stated that during the takeoff from his private airstrip, the airplane was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear the trees at the end of the grass runway. The left wing and landing gear struck the top of a tree; the airplane impacted the ground nose first, and came to rest inverted. A post-accident examination conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the wings, engine, firewall, and fuselage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In addition, he stated that he did not complete performance planning calculations prior to takeoff.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA585