Incident Details
During an attempted takeoff from a 1,500-foot turf airstrip oriented toward rising terrain, a Piper PA-28-161 impacted trees. The pilot reported that during the preflight run-up, when the right magneto was selected, the engine rpm dropped by 500 rpm. He attempted to "clean up the plugs" but the engine still dropped more rpm than when the left magneto was selected. The pilot selected one notch of flaps for takeoff.
During the takeoff roll, the airplane did not accelerate as expected. At approximately 35 knots indicated airspeed, the pilot selected a second notch of flaps. By midfield, the airplane was still not airborne, and the pilot became concerned about remaining runway length but decided to continue. The airplane became airborne but would not climb. The stall warning activated, and the airplane subsequently struck trees.
Pilot Comments
The pilot added that the engine rpm always dropped more when the right magneto was selected compared to the left, indicating a pre-existing condition.
Investigation Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reviewed the airplane's documentation and found that no weight and balance information was on board. A review of the accident airplane's information manual and original delivery documents revealed that under the existing conditions, the takeoff distance required to clear a 50-foot obstacle was approximately 1,500 feet, based on the use of a paved, level, dry runway—different from the turf airstrip used.