On July 29, 1995, a Piper PA-60-601A (registration N135TS) was involved in an aviation accident near Fulshear, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER CLIMB RATE AFTER TAKE OFF. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S DIVERTED ATTENTION TOWARD THE MALFUNCTIONING LANDING GEAR, HIS INTENTIONAL SHUTDOWN OF OPERATIONAL ENGINES, AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, the pilot could not retract the landing gear. The aircraft became sluggish, struck a fence and railroad berm, and the pilot shut down engines to land in a field.
Event Sequence
Prior to takeoff, a normal runup indicated that all systems were performing as expected. Before releasing the brakes, both engines were brought to full power. After rotation, the pilot attempted to retract the landing gear but was unsuccessful. The pilot stated that the airplane was sluggish with the gear extended. A second attempt to raise the gear also failed.
Pilot Actions
Subsequently, the landing gear struck a fence beyond the departure end of the runway and then hit a gravel railroad berm. The pilot further noted that the airplane continued to fly in a sluggish manner. He elected to shut the throttles down and land in a field with tall vegetation.
Outcome
The aircraft executed an off-field landing in vegetation. No further details about damage, injuries, or subsequent events are available from the source.