Accident Summary
The airplane was destroyed by impact forces following a loss of control while attempting to avoid a power line and trees during the takeoff climb from a grass taxiway measuring 1,000 feet by 70 feet. The flight was intended for practicing dead reckoning navigation and performing a grass strip landing.
Flight History
According to the pilot receiving training, he and the certified flight instructor (CFI) briefed the flight and conducted a preflight inspection. No mechanical difficulties were noted, and the airplane operated normally during the flight. The pilot reported that the airplane touched down within 150 feet of the south end of the taxiway and he performed a full stop landing. After back taxiing, he initiated a “short field” takeoff. He attempted to lift off at 65 knots indicated airspeed about halfway down the taxiway, but the aircraft was not climbing. The CFI then took control of the airplane during the climb-out. The pilot recalled seeing orange balls on the power lines located at the north end of the taxiway and heard the stall warning horn sounding. The airplane veered left, and then the right side of the airplane impacted the terrain.
Aircraft and Airstrip Information
The Pilot’s Operating Handbook indicated that the required takeoff distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle from a grass airstrip on a 15-degree Celsius day was approximately 1,409 feet. The private airstrip had runway 9/27, which was 2,400 feet by 70 feet. The prevailing wind at the time of the accident was 280 degrees at 10 knots.
Post-Accident Inspection
An inspection of the airplane revealed no pre-existing anomalies that could have contributed to the accident.