On April 24, 1993, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N9637P) operated by Stevens, Donald L. was involved in an aviation accident near Forest Grove, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate runway length for takeoff conditions on a wet, grass strip, resulting in an inability to climb out of ground effect and subsequent collision with trees and a telephone line. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Piper PA-28 Cherokee encountered difficulty becoming airborne from a muddy, wet grass strip during northerly takeoff. The aircraft failed to clear ground effect and struck trees and a telephone line.
What happened
The pilot in command initiated a takeoff run directed toward the north on an unpaved grass runway. The surface conditions were compromised by moisture, with the strip described as both muddy and wet. Environmental factors during the afternoon included winds from the southwest with speeds ranging in the teens.
During the ground roll, the pilot noted that acceleration to lift-off speed required more distance than normal for this specific operation. Once airborne, the aircraft was unable to climb out of ground effect. Shortly after leaving the runway environment, the aircraft impacted a line of trees and a telephone wire.
The investigation
The physical evidence at the site indicated a collision with vegetation and infrastructure shortly after departure. The condition of the takeoff surface was confirmed as wet and muddy, which likely contributed to reduced tire traction and increased rolling resistance during the ground roll phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate runway length for takeoff conditions on a wet, grass strip, resulting in an inability to climb out of ground effect and subsequent collision with trees and a telephone line.