Overweight Aircraft Collides with Powerlines During Takeoff (N48DB)

Accident Overview and Environmental Conditions An aircraft operated by a pilot with 26,000 hours of airline transport experience attempted a cross-country departure from a 2,000-foot grass airstrip. The runway surface was covered with grass reported to be approximately 5 inches long on the day of the accident. The air temperature at the time was 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the investigator-in-charge calculated the density altitude to be 2,845 feet. The aircraft was attempting to take off upslope when it collided with powerlines that ran perpendicular to the departure end of the airstrip. A post-impact fire subsequently consumed most of the airframe. ## Weight and Mechanical Findings Using reported weights provided by the occupants and family members, investigators determined that the aircraft exceeded its maximum gross weight of 2,450 pounds by 210 pounds. Post-accident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any mechanical anomalies or defects that could have prevented normal flight.