SPRINGTOWN, TX, USA
N44677
Piper PA-28-151
The airplane veered to the left side of the runway while attempting to takeoff from runway 17. The left wing of the airplane struck trees and terrain on the east side of the 20-foot wide, 2,400-foot long asphalt runway. The owner of the airstrip observed the airplane impact trees at approximately 15 feet above the ground during takeoff climb. The witness reported that 'the engine sounded as if it was producing takeoff power.' The 115-hour private pilot reported that, due to a concussion he suffered during the accident sequence, he did not have any recollection of any phase of the accident flight. The recorded winds at the Mineral Wells Airport, located approximately 25 nautical miles to the southwest, were reported from 180 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The density altitude was calculated by the NTSB IIC at 3,398 feet.
On July 14, 1999, at 1739 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-151 airplane, N44677, was substantially damaged upon impact with trees and terrain following a loss of control during takeoff from the Kezer Air Ranch near Springtown, Texas. The non-instrument rated private pilot and his passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to local law enforcement personnel, who responded to the accident site, the airplane veered to the left side of the runway while attempting to takeoff from runway 17. The airplane struck trees and terrain on the east side of the 20-foot wide, 2,400-foot long asphalt runway. The owner of the airstrip stated that he observed the left wing of the airplane impacting trees at approximately 15 feet above the ground during takeoff climb. He added that the airplane "continued a slight climb while the left wing stayed in the trees for about 75 to 80 yards, until the airplane collided with a large tree." The witness reported that "the engine sounded as if it was producing takeoff power." Examination of the wreckage by the owner of the airstrip revealed that the right wing of the airplane separated from the airframe, and the nose section of the airplane "was severely crushed." The outboard leading edge of the left wing was also damaged. The airplane came to rest on its right side with the left wing perpendicular to the ground. The owner of the airstrip reported that he was the first person to respond to the accident site, and he assisted the pilot and his wife in evacuating the airplane. He reported that the fuel boost pump was still pumping fuel when he arrived on scene. There was no fire. In a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), the private pilot, who recently became part owner of the airplane, reported that, "due to a concussion he suffered during the accident sequence, he did not have any recollection of any phase of the accident flight." He added that "his attention must have been diverted by something else in order for him to allow the airplane to drift into those trees." He reported that he had accumulated a total of 115 flight hours, with approximately 10 hours in the accident airplane. The recorded winds at the Mineral Wells Airport, located approximately 25 nautical miles to the southwest, were reported from 180 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The temperature was 95 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 66 degrees Fahrenheit. The NTSB IIC calculated the density altitude as 3,398 feet at the time of the accident. A completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), was not received from the pilot.
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the trees during the initial takeoff climb. A factor was the high density altitude.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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