FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Trees During Takeoff on Turf Runway (N6777W)

Marstons Mills, MA, US

On September 10, 2005, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N6777W) was involved in an aviation accident near Marstons Mills, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain a climb during takeoff which resulted in a diminished climb rate and subsequent collision with trees. Factors were the turf runway and a tailwind. 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

During takeoff from a 2,700-foot turf runway with a quartering tailwind, an airplane struck trees at the end. A witness observed a high angle of attack and settling. Subsequent engine test showed normal power.

Event Description

A takeoff accident occurred when an airplane struck trees at the end of a 2,700-foot-long turf runway. The departure was attempted with a quartering tailwind.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the engine may have experienced a partial power loss during the takeoff.

Witness Report

A witness stated that the airplane lifted off at a high angle of attack, then settled back to the ground. The airplane subsequently lifted off again and flew in ground effect at a high angle of attack before striking the trees at the runway's end.

Engine Test

A subsequent full-power test run of the accident engine was completed successfully, with no anomalies noted.

Weight and Performance

Although the airplane was operated within weight and performance limitations, the performance charts used did not account for a tailwind or a turf runway surface.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Sept 2005 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Marstons Mills, MA?

During takeoff from a 2,700-foot turf runway with a quartering tailwind, an airplane struck trees at the end. A witness observed a high angle of attack and settling. Subsequent engine test showed normal power.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Sept 2005 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N6777W, at Marstons Mills, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to attain a climb during takeoff which resulted in a diminished climb rate and subsequent collision with trees. Factors were the turf runway and a tailwind.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050914X01456. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.