Accident Description
An airplane departed from a 2,500-foot grass runway with three adults on board. According to witnesses and one of the passengers, the aircraft lifted off but then settled back onto the runway surface approximately halfway down the strip. As the airplane neared the end of the runway, it lifted off again and began a slow climb.
Witness and Passenger Accounts
Witnesses observed the aircraft's initial liftoff, subsequent touchdown, and second liftoff near the departure end of the runway. The passenger seated in the right front seat reported that the climb was very slow and that the airplane never reached a significant altitude. The passenger stated, "we took off but the aircraft climbed very slowly and never really climbed out very high... we were in a slight right turn when we hit the trees."
Wind Conditions
Winds were described as light. The passenger noted that the wind direction was aligned with the direction of flight. Approximately 15 miles north, at Burlington, Vermont, the reported wind was from 280 degrees at 6 knots.
Performance Information
Performance charts for the airplane, under conditions for a paved runway, indicated that 2,600 feet would have been required to clear a 50-foot obstacle. The accident runway was a 2,500-foot grass strip.