Incident Details
According to the pilot's report, the engines were run to full power before releasing the brakes. Immediately after lift-off, when the landing gear was retracted, there was a dramatic loss of airspeed. The airplane began to rock back and forth, and the pilot's efforts to increase airspeed—including lowering the nose and adding full power—were unsuccessful.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the Piper Information Manual specifies a lift-off speed of 85 mph with 15 degrees of flaps for a short field takeoff. The reported winds were 010 degrees at 7 knots. The pilot departed from runway 29, which is 2,910 feet long.
Witness Account
A witness who was refueling an airplane on the ramp stated that the airplane was still on the runway at the 500-foot mark from the end of runway 29.
Probable Cause
The probable cause, as stated in official findings, is the pilot's improper short field takeoff/procedure and selection of the wrong runway for takeoff.