Accident Overview
On November 17, 2018, about 1112 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N111TA, was substantially damaged following a collision with trees and terrain at Little Tobesofkee Creek Ranch Airport (GA86) in Barnesville, Georgia. The flight instructor and student pilot incurred minor injuries, while two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated by Clear Blue Sky Aviation LLC under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the planned flight to Macon Downtown Airport (MCN), Macon, Georgia.
Takeoff and Loss of Control
The flight instructor reported that runway 35 was selected for takeoff due to a prevailing wind out of the north at 7 to 8 knots. The student pilot was at the controls. The takeoff appeared normal, with acceleration considered appropriate given the runway's upslope and 3,000-foot-long turf surface. At the predesignated decision point, approximately 60% of the runway length, the airspeed reached 65 knots and was increasing. After takeoff, the airplane banked left unexpectedly. The instructor did not recall the stall warning light illuminating. The student noted a lack of responsiveness from the flight controls, and the instructor simultaneously took over the controls. Recognizing that the airplane would not clear trees at the departure end, the instructor elected to land straight ahead and aimed between the trees. The airplane touched down about 200 feet from the trees, then struck several small trees and one large tree before coming to a stop.
Post-Accident Actions
The engine was secured, and all occupants egressed the airplane. First responders met them at the scene.
Wreckage Examination
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site. The airplane came to rest in a wooded area north of the airport boundary. Structural damage occurred to the wings and fuselage, but there was no fire.
The wreckage was subsequently moved to a salvage facility for a more detailed examination. The fuselage was generally intact. Both wings had been cut near the wing roots by recovery personnel. The right wing exhibited leading edge crushing signatures consistent with tree contact. The aileron cables, cut by recovery personnel, were otherwise connected from the ailerons to the control yokes; continuity was established. Elevator and rudder control continuity from the surfaces to the cockpit controls was confirmed. The vertical stabilizer, rudder, and stabilator were undamaged.
Engine and Systems Inspection
The engine remained attached to the firewall, and the metal fixed-pitch propeller was still on the crankshaft. Manual rotation of the propeller confirmed internal engine continuity, compression, and suction on all cylinders. Valve action was normal, and the engine contained oil. Spark plugs were removed from all cylinders and appeared normal in color and wear per a Champion inspection chart. The carburetor was intact with the venturi and floats in place and undamaged. The gascolator was drained and contained about 1 ounce of clean, blue-colored fuel. Both magnetos produced a visible spark at all leads when rotated.
The stall warning light was tested and operated normally. The airplane was not equipped with a stall warning horn.