Accident Overview
On July 14, 2019, at 0759 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA22-150, registration N7833D, was substantially damaged in an accident near Hastings, Florida. The pilot and passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that before takeoff, he performed a preflight inspection and engine runup, which revealed no anomalies. He applied the brakes, advanced the throttle to full power, and released the brakes to begin the takeoff roll. During the roll, the airplane did not lift off within its "normal distance." He continued the takeoff roll until the airspeed reached 50 to 55 knots as the airplane neared the end of the runway. The airplane became airborne and the landing gear struck vegetation at the runway's end. Believing the airplane was stalling, the pilot attempted to increase airspeed, but the airplane then struck a tree and subsequently the ground. The pilot reported that the engine "was fine" and that he "just didn't get enough airspeed." He recalled that at rotation, the engine speed was 2,400 rpm. A review of the airplane's owner's manual for the same make and model indicated that the engine's maximum speed was 2,700 rpm. Both the engine data plate and tachometer markings on the airplane confirmed a maximum speed of 2,700 rpm.
Witness Account
A witness who was mowing the turf runway reported that the grass was "really high and wet." He was mowing the perimeter when he observed the accident airplane performing an engine run-up. He then mowed one 12-foot pass down the center of the runway before the airplane took off. He watched the airplane depart to the north, noting that it used nearly the entire 2,300-foot-long runway before lifting off. The airplane remained within the recently mowed section of the runway during the takeoff roll. After liftoff, the airplane flew through tall cornstalks in an adjacent field and continued to gain altitude. The airplane then made a left turn toward a crosswind traffic pattern leg, followed by another left turn toward a downwind leg. During these turns, the airplane descended behind a row of trees before the witness lost sight.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that all major components were present at the accident site. The airplane came to rest inverted. Both wings were impact-damaged and separated from the fuselage at the wing root. The engine and upper cowling had separated at the firewall. The fuel primer control was unlocked and extended about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the closed position. The mixture control and throttle were at or near the full forward position. A follow-up engine examination showed spark plug electrodes that were black and sooty. The engine crankshaft was manually rotated using a tool attached to an accessory drive gear, and thumb compression and suction were present on all four cylinders. Continuity of the crankshaft and valvetrain was confirmed. Both magnetos produced spark on all towers when rotated by hand. The engine priming system was of the type that fed fuel to all four cylinders independently. The wheel bearings in all three landing gear were found to have excessive side play.