Accident Overview
On July 28, 2013, about 1052 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N286P) impacted trees and terrain during initial climb after takeoff from runway 27 at Timber House Airport (31IN) in Lafayette, Indiana. The pilot and three passengers received minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The aircraft was registered to an individual and operated by a private pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported performing a pre-takeoff run-up with no noted deficiencies. He proceeded with takeoff to the west, noting rotation at about 50 miles per hour (mph) and liftoff at about 60 mph. The airplane accelerated to 74 mph (best angle of climb airspeed) and cleared the trees off the departure end of the runway, then descended into the trees. The pilot stated he was unsure of the cause but suggested it might have been a downdraft or engine power loss; he surmised the airplane "lost lift," resulting in tree impact.
Postaccident Examination
Examination revealed the right wing struck a tree first, followed by the left wing. Both wings separated, and both fuel tanks were breached. The fuselage remained largely intact, with the propeller buried in dirt. The fuel selector was positioned on the right tank, and both fuel tank caps were secure. Due to the aircraft's position at the accident site, an engine examination was not performed.
Weather Conditions
At 1054, weather at Purdue University Airport, about 9 nautical miles northwest of the accident site, included: wind 260 degrees at 12 knots, gusting to 18 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; broken ceiling at 9,000 feet above ground level; temperature 19°C; dew point 9°C; and altimeter 29.96 inches of mercury.
Airport Information
Timber House Airport is a private airport with a 3,000-foot-long by 100-foot-wide turf runway. The west end of the runway is bordered by a band of trees approximately 650 feet wide in the direction of runway alignment.
Relevant FAA Guidance
The FAA publication FAA-H-8083-25A, "Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge," notes that ground obstructions affect wind flow and can create unseen dangers. Topography and large structures can break up wind, creating gusts that change rapidly. Obstructions near runways, such as hangars or natural features like trees, can affect takeoff and landing performance and present serious hazards.