On October 8, 2003, a Piper J-3 (registration N71027) operated by Douglas D. Hatton was involved in an aviation accident near Florence, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot prematurely lifted off during the takeoff with inadequate airspeed which resulted in the airplane stalling. Factors associated with the accident were there unsuitable/rough terrain that the pilot used for takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane stalled and impacted terrain during takeoff from a hay field. The pilot reported rough terrain, bouncing, and pulling back on the stick. After becoming airborne and passing hay bales and a fence, the right wing dropped, contacting the ground, then the airplane spun left and came to rest on another fence.
Accident Summary
The airplane stalled and impacted the terrain during takeoff from a hay field. The sequence of events was reported by the pilot.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, he encountered an area in the field where the terrain was "very rough." He reported that the airplane was "bouncing and shaking" and he wanted to get it off the ground as soon as possible. He pulled back on the stick, and the airplane became airborne.
Sequence of Events
After becoming airborne, the airplane passed over hay bales and a fence. The pilot reported that he was unable to "keep it in the air." Subsequently, the right wing dropped and contacted the ground. The airplane then spun to the left and came to rest on top of another fence.
Probable Cause
Probable cause not stated in the source.