On September 8, 1994, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N4188Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Princeton, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's premature liftoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff from a 2,500-foot soft turf runway, an airplane with two passengers became airborne 800 feet from the end but could not climb above 40 feet, struck a tree with its left wing, and crashed into a swamp.
Accident Details
A pilot reported that he was attempting to take off from a 2,500-foot soft turf runway with two passengers aboard. The airplane became airborne approximately 800 feet from the end of the runway. However, it was unable to climb more than 40 feet above the ground. The airplane continued to fly off the airport at a very low altitude. Subsequently, it struck a tree with its left wing and crashed into a swamp.
Pilot Report
In his report to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented by "more power—less weight." No further details were provided regarding the causes or contributing factors of the accident.
What happened in the 8 Sept 1994 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Princeton, WI?
During takeoff from a 2,500-foot soft turf runway, an airplane with two passengers became airborne 800 feet from the end but could not climb above 40 feet, struck a tree with its left wing, and crashed into a swamp.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Sept 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N4188Q, at Princeton, WI.
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