Accident Details
A pilot reported initiating a takeoff from a field with three-inch-high grass using short field takeoff procedures and with the flaps retracted. The field length was 1,680 feet. As the aircraft approached the upwind end of the field, the pilot applied '1 notch (10 degrees) of flaps' and then 'waited until the end and then pulled the plane in the air.'
Pilot Report
The pilot stated, 'about 500' or so from the tree line I could see there was just no way to get over the trees or build enough airspeed, so I pulled all power and landed in what room was left. [I] applied full brakes, then I could tell I wasn't going to stop in time, so I turned the airplane just a little to the left & crashed between 2 trees which pulled the wings off.'
Witness Report
A witness observed the aircraft's flaps 'at 0 degrees' and reported that 'the aircraft was maintaining a high angle of attack and not climbing upon rotation from the runway. It continued in this attitude at about 5 feet off the ground until one of the main landing gear wheels hit a fence post on the airport boundary fence.'
Handbook Guidance
The Owner's Handbook for the PA-28-140 stated that both 'short field' and 'soft field' takeoffs should be conducted with two notches of flaps (25 degrees) and that 'Premature or excessive raising of the nose will result in a delayed take-off. After take-off let the aircraft accelerate to the desired climb speed by lowering the nose slightly.'