Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Trees During Takeoff Climb; Occupants Sustain Minor Injuries (N3918P)

Liberty, NC, US

On April 9, 1983, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N3918P) was involved in an aviation accident near Liberty, NC. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck trees during takeoff climb and crashed in a nose-low attitude. The four occupants received only minor injuries. The accident occurred at night under dark overcast conditions.

Accident Overview

During the initial climb after takeoff, the aircraft collided with trees and subsequently crashed into the ground in a nose-low attitude. The aircraft then nosed over. All four occupants aboard sustained only minor injuries.

Flight Details

The accident occurred at the beginning of a planned 10-minute night flight. Conditions were dark and overcast. According to the pilot’s actions, the aircraft’s nose was lowered after takeoff to increase the airspeed to 75 knots.

Sequence of Events

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot lowered the aircraft’s nose to increase airspeed. Immediately thereafter, the aircraft began clipping trees along the right side of the runway. The aircraft then contacted the ground and nosed over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42601. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.