Incident Details
The pilot of a Cherokee 140 stated that he and his son needed to leave and could not wait. A witness reported that the airplane took off on runway 03, attempted to climb, and collided with a tree inside an unoccupied subdivision located off the departure end of runway 03.
Runway Conditions
The airport manager stated that the 1,551-foot-long runway was closed for resurfacing. Only about two-thirds of the runway (1,033 feet) had been resurfaced, and heavy equipment occupied the last third of the runway. The manager also advised the pilot prior to departure that runway 03 was closed until later in the day when the resurfacing was scheduled to be completed.
Aircraft Performance Data
A review of the Cherokee 140 owner's handbook indicated that at gross weight under standard conditions at sea level, the takeoff distance over a 50-foot obstacle with flaps up is 1,700 feet.
Conclusion
The pilot proceeded with the takeoff despite the closed runway and the presence of equipment, resulting in a collision with a tree after departure.