Casualties unknown

Loss of Lift After Takeoff on Grass Runway (N888HA)

Pine Island, FL, US

On June 13, 1994, a Piper PA-28-140D (registration N888HA) was involved in an aviation accident near Pine Island, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE DATA PERTINENT TO THE PRESENT CONDITIONS, HIS ATTEMPTED EXCESSIVE CLIMB RATE FOR CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHILE IN A CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Aircraft departing west on a 2,100 ft grass runway with a 6-knot tailwind at 95°F and near gross weight climbed to 100 ft, lost lift, and crashed into trees. Performance charts indicated 2,300 ft needed to clear a 50 ft obstacle, not accounting for tailwind or grass.

Flight Details

The flight was departing to the west on a 2,100-foot grass runway. According to the nearest weather observation station, the wind was from the east at 6 knots, resulting in a tailwind for departure. The temperature was reported as 95 °F. The aircraft was near gross weight at the time of the attempted takeoff.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the aircraft departed normally. After takeoff, the aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 100 feet. Subsequently, the aircraft lost lift and crashed into trees located at the departure end of the runway.

Performance Considerations

Performance charts contained in the aircraft's flight manual indicated that the flight would require 2,300 feet of takeoff distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle. These charts did not account for the tailwind or the use of a grass runway, both of which would increase the required takeoff distance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jun 1994 Piper PA-28-140D accident near Pine Island, FL?

Aircraft departing west on a 2,100 ft grass runway with a 6-knot tailwind at 95°F and near gross weight climbed to 100 ft, lost lift, and crashed into trees. Performance charts indicated 2,300 ft needed to clear a 50 ft obstacle, not accounting for tailwind or grass.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jun 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-140D, registration N888HA, at Pine Island, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE DATA PERTINENT TO THE PRESENT CONDITIONS, HIS ATTEMPTED EXCESSIVE CLIMB RATE FOR CONDITIONS, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHILE IN A CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF. THIS RESULTED IN THE INADVERTENT STALL/MUSH OF THE AIRCRAFT, UNCONTROLLED DESCENT, AND…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01595. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.