Aircraft strikes trees during takeoff from grass runway

Casualties unknown • Woodstock, GA, US

A two-pilot crew experienced an accident after attempting a short-field takeoff from a grass airstrip, resulting in the aircraft striking multiple trees.

What happened

Following a local flight lasting approximately one hour, the two pilots decided to visit a grass airstrip they had previously observed from the air. The strip featured a north/south oriented runway, and the crew landed on runway 18. During the approach, the pilot-in-command noted that the runway surface was uphill. Upon landing, wind socks indicated calm conditions.

The crew elected to depart using runway 36, with the pilot-in-command performing a short-field takeoff. As the aircraft crossed a road at the northern end of the field, it failed to clear the tree line. The aircraft struck the top of the first tree, and the propeller made contact with a second tree. Additionally, the inboard right wing of the unspecified aircraft struck a larger tree.

At a location approximately 10 miles north of the accident site, reported winds were from 150 degrees at 9 knots.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to perform a short-field takeoff that resulted in the aircraft failing to clear trees at the end of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-06 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Woodstock, GA?

A two-pilot crew experienced an accident after attempting a short-field takeoff from a grass airstrip, resulting in the aircraft striking multiple trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-06 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3900P, at Woodstock, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to perform a short-field takeoff that resulted in the aircraft failing to clear trees at the end of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10150. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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