Accident Details
A flight instructor and a student pilot landed an airplane to the south on a north/south-aligned sod runway. After landing, the airplane taxied to the end of the runway, turned around, and departed to the north. The sod runway was approximately 2,200 feet long and covered with grass 3 to 4 inches in height. At the immediate north end of the runway, there were 100-foot-high power lines and trees ranging from 60 to 80 feet in height.
A witness who heard the airplane land later observed it as it turned around at the departure end of the runway. The witness expressed concern about the departure, stating that "Cherokees do not fly well in and out of this airport." After the airplane became airborne, the witness saw its wings rock back and forth and feared the airplane would crash. The airplane subsequently struck the trees and crashed beyond the trees and power lines.
Examination and Performance Data
An examination of the airplane and engine revealed no mechanical discrepancies. Performance data for the airplane indicated that on a hard surface, it would have required approximately 2,100 feet of takeoff distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle.