Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Trees During Takeoff from Rough Turf Airstrip (N3645A)

Leavenworth, WA, US

On July 9, 1994, a Piper PA-22-135 (registration N3645A) was involved in an aviation accident near Leavenworth, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, THE RUNWAY CONDITION (WITH AREAS OF SOFT OR UNEVEN TERRAIN AND TALL GRASS), AND OBSTRUCTIONS (TREES) NEAR THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. 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

During takeoff from a 2400-foot rough turf airstrip with soft dirt and grass up to 8 inches high, an aircraft collided with 75-foot-tall trees about 50 feet above ground. Density altitude was estimated at 4700 feet, requiring a ground run of 2213 to 2616 feet.

Incident Overview

The pilot initiated a takeoff from a rough turf airstrip measuring 2,400 feet in length. The runway surface consisted of areas of soft dirt interspersed with grass ranging from 1 to 8 inches in height. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft collided with trees located near the departure end of the runway. The trees were approximately 75 feet tall, and the impact occurred about 50 feet above the ground.

Environmental Conditions

Calculations indicated that the density altitude at the time was approximately 4,700 feet. Under the prevailing conditions, an estimated 2,213 to 2,616 feet of runway would have been required for the takeoff ground run.

The source provides no further details regarding aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, injuries, or damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01861. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.