History of Flight
On June 18, 2011, about 0950 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1803T, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and the ground following a takeoff from Guntersville Municipal Airport – Joe Starnes Field (8A1), Guntersville, Alabama. The intended destination was Destin/Ft. Walton Beach Airport (DTS), Destin, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The certificated private pilot and two passengers were fatally injured, and one passenger was seriously injured. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The flight originated at Lebanon Municipal Airport (M54), Lebanon, Tennessee, earlier that day. After landing at 8A1, the aircraft refueled with 35.8 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel. Witnesses reported the airplane became airborne about two-thirds down the runway, pitched up to a nose-high attitude, leveled, pitched up again to a similar attitude, then appeared to have a high sink rate as it descended behind a tree line. One witness estimated the airplane was 35-40 feet above ground level with a pitch attitude between 20 and 35 degrees. Another witness saw the airplane clear the tree line, impact the ground nose-low, and two occupants were ejected. No unusual engine noises were heard. Shortly after impact, white smoke was observed from the forward cockpit area, followed by flames.
Personnel Information
The pilot, age 52, held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on July 30, 2010, at which time he reported 500 total flight hours, including 200 hours in the accident make and model.
Aircraft Information
The 1971 Piper PA-28-140 was a single-engine, four-seat, low-wing, all-metal, fixed-gear airplane with a Lycoming O-320-E3D 150-horsepower engine. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on September 3, 2010, at a reported total time of 3,480.71 hours and tachometer time of 1,249.5 hours. The engine had 5,815.26 total hours and 659.6 hours since major overhaul. An engine logbook entry dated April 29, 2011, indicated the engine was reinstalled after maintenance, with a tachometer time of 1,261.6 hours. The airplane was owned by Aviation Unlimited, Inc.; the accident pilot was considering purchasing it.
Meteorological Information
The 0955 weather observation at Albertville Municipal Airport (8A0), about 10 miles south, reported wind from 220° at 9 knots, visibility 10 miles, scattered clouds at 1,400 and 2,000 feet, temperature 27°C, dew point 21°C, and altimeter 30.01 inHg.
Airport Information
Guntersville Municipal Airport was a public use, non-towered field with one runway (03/21), asphalt, 3,368 feet long by 95 feet wide, in good condition. The departure runway had a 0.4% up gradient and required a 14:1 climb gradient to clear obstacles.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The wreckage was located in an open treed lot in a residential area, about 1,550 feet from the departure runway threshold and slightly left of the extended centerline. The debris path from the first tree strike was oriented on a heading of 205°, and the airplane came to rest on a heading of 355° at an elevation of 642 feet. Both wings were separated from the fuselage and found adjacent. The tail section remained attached via control cables but was thermally damaged. The left wing showed leading-edge impact damage and crumpling at the wingtip; continuity of flight controls was confirmed. The right wing had similar damage. The flap handle was in the first detent, corresponding to 10 degrees of flaps. The elevator trim had 9 exposed threads, indicating a slight nose-up setting. The fuel selector was set to the right tank. The engine was examined: no pre-impact malfunctions were found. The carburetor had separated floats with solidified solder drips; no fuel was present in the float bowl. The right magneto had thermal damage and produced no spark; the left magneto produced spark. The engine was rotated and compression and suction were observed on all cylinders; no metallic debris was found in the oil screen or filter. Light rust pitting was noted on cylinder walls.
Medical and Pathological Information
An autopsy on the pilot performed by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences reported multiple blunt force injuries as the cause of death. Toxicological tests were negative for carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and drugs.
Additional Information
The Piper PA-28-140 Pilot's Operating Manual indicated the airplane was approximately 110 pounds over the maximum allowable takeoff weight at the time of departure. The calculated density altitude was about 2,000 feet. At maximum gross weight, the required takeoff distance was 2,200 feet.