Collegedale, TN, USA
N43421
PIPER PA-28-140
The airplane was departing from runway 3, a 4,700-foot-long, 75-foot-wide, asphalt runway, during night visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported that he lost sight of outside visual references after takeoff due to darkness, and that he was not initially aware that the airplane was turning to the left. He added that he momentarily "did not pay attention" to the airplane's instruments, and that when he realized that the airplane was turning it was "too late." The airplane struck trees located off the left side of the runway, and impacted the ground. After the pilot exited a postcrash fire substantially consumed the airplane. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot's logbook was consumed by fire.
The airplane was departing from runway 3, a 4,700-foot-long, 75-foot-wide, asphalt runway, during night visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported that he lost sight of outside visual references after takeoff, due to darkness, and he was not initially aware that the airplane was turning to the left. He added that he momentarily "did not pay attention" to the airplane's instruments, and when he realized that the airplane was turning, it was "too late." The airplane struck trees located off the left side of the runway, and impacted the ground. After the pilot exited, a post crash fire substantially consumed the airplane. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot's logbook was consumed by fire. He estimated that his total flight experience was 110 hours, which included 10 hours flight in "night" conditions.
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb after takeoff in dark light conditions.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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