No fatalities

Pilot Reports Flap-Less Takeoff and Settling During Aborted Departure at High Valley Airpark (N7209J)

Suches, GA, US

On March 6, 2005, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N7209J) was involved in an aviation accident near Suches, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's premature liftoff and failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush to the runway and subsequent collision with a fence during aborted takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted a takeoff after the airplane lifted off briefly then settled back onto the runway at High Valley Airpark, a private grass strip. The pilot reported no flaps used and no mechanical issues.

Overview

A pilot experienced an aborted takeoff at High Valley Airpark, a private grass airstrip, after the airplane briefly became airborne then settled back onto the runway. The incident occurred during a departure from the 2,000-foot-long, 60-foot-wide strip, which lies at an elevation of approximately 2,800 feet.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot, the windsock indicated little to no wind at the time of the takeoff. The pilot performed the takeoff with no flaps and held the brakes to allow the engine rpm to increase before initiating the takeoff roll. During the roll, the pilot noted that the engine rpm and speed seemed "normal."

Sequence of Events

The airplane lifted off the runway and climbed a few feet, then settled back onto the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff, reduced engine power, and applied the brakes. The airplane continued off the end of the runway and through a fence before coming to a stop approximately 100 feet from the end of the runway.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.

Airport Information

High Valley Airpark is a private grass airstrip approximately 2,000 feet long and 60 feet wide at an elevation of approximately 2,800 feet.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Mar 2005 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Suches, GA?

A pilot aborted a takeoff after the airplane lifted off briefly then settled back onto the runway at High Valley Airpark, a private grass strip. The pilot reported no flaps used and no mechanical issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Mar 2005 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Mar 2005 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N7209J, at Suches, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's premature liftoff and failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush to the runway and subsequent collision with a fence during aborted takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050411X00436. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.