Accident Overview
A pilot reported an accident involving a PA-28-140 during takeoff from a 2,600-foot long, wet grass runway. The takeoff roll utilized approximately two-thirds to five-eighths of the runway length before liftoff. After becoming airborne, the airspeed did not increase as expected and the airplane was not climbing at the normal rate. To avoid trees ahead, the pilot lowered the nose and initiated a shallow left turn toward an open area.
Pilot Actions and Impact
Upon completing the turn, the pilot leveled the wings and positioned the yoke to a "normal to slightly aft" position. He stated that at that point, the airplane lost all lift. The impact occurred with the left wing low and on the nose wheel, which subsequently collapsed. The pilot noted that the engine sounded fine throughout the event and that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane.
Aircraft Weight and Performance Data
According to the pilot, the combined weight of himself and his passengers was 580 pounds. The airplane had 32 gallons of fuel onboard. The PA-28-140 Owner's Handbook specifies a useful load of 949 pounds for the airplane. The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 2,222 feet. The PA-28-140 Owner's Handbook indicates that, under standard conditions using a paved runway at gross weight, the takeoff distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle is approximately 2,200 feet.