Accident
On May 18, 2008, at 1400 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-180, registration N4553J, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground during takeoff from runway 28 at The Farm Airport (01GE) in Wrightsville, Georgia. The pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 and was not operating on a flight plan. The accident occurred during the departure.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA-28R-180, registration N4553J. It sustained substantial damage in the accident.
Pilot Information
The pilot reported that after takeoff, he added a second notch of flaps and retracted the landing gear. At an altitude of 20-30 feet above the ground, a gust of wind caught the aircraft and forced the nose up. The pilot then pushed the nose down, and the aircraft was forced into bushes along the left side of the runway.
Meteorological Information
At the time of the accident, the pilot reported that winds were variable at 10 knots gusting to 30 knots. Surface winds reported at Macon, Georgia, approximately 45 miles away, were from 270 degrees magnetic at 13 knots gusting to 21 knots. Visual meteorological conditions were present.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft was substantially damaged. The pilot and the one passenger were not injured.