On June 29, 1987, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N4627P) operated by Stanley Groman was involved in an aviation accident near Sandy Creek, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to extend the flaps before takeoff, which contributed to inadequate climb performance and the subsequent collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Piper PA-23-250 failed to clear trees after takeoff from a short private grass airstrip. The pilot reported failing to set flaps and experiencing an open door during the roll.
What happened
The pilot of a Piper PA-23-250 attempted a takeoff on a private airstrip featuring a 2,200-foot grass runway. Witnesses observed that the aircraft became airborne further down the strip than is typical for this phase of flight. Despite gaining some altitude, the aircraft failed to clear the trees located at the departure end of the runway.
The pilot later stated that he had failed to set the flaps prior to initiating the takeoff roll. Additionally, he reported that a door opened during the acceleration phase. The specific registration number was not provided in the source material.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the flaps before takeoff, which contributed to inadequate climb performance and the subsequent collision with trees.