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May 23, 2001 · Piper PA-22-150 · N7815D

Sunriver, OR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 23, 2001
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Sunriver, OR
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-150
Tail Number
N7815D
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA01LA101

The pilot reported that as the airplane lifted off from the dirt airstrip, he extended full flaps. The airplane achieved an ascent rate of about 500 feet per minute and attained an altitude to just clear the surrounding trees when the altitude decreased by about 20 to 30 feet and the airspeed dropped about 15 to 20 MPH. There was not sufficient runway left to land the airplane so the pilot continued the takeoff. The airplane did not attain sufficient altitude and collided with trees. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during initial climb. Trees were a factor.

Full Narrative

On May 22, 2001, approximately 1700 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150, N7815D, registered to and operated by the private pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with trees during the takeoff climb from a private airstrip seven miles southwest of Sunriver, Oregon. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft was substantially damaged and the private pilot and his passenger received minor injuries. In a written statement, the pilot reported that the takeoff was on runway 4, a 3,600 foot long private dirt airstrip at an elevation of 4,300 feet mean sea level. The aircraft lifted off in about 1,900 feet, and at this time the pilot extended full flaps and the aircraft achieved an ascent rate of about 500 feet per minute. About 3,100 feet down the airstrip, the aircraft attained an altitude to clear the surrounding trees, but then shortly thereafter, decreased altitude by 20 to 30 feet and the airspeed dropped about 15 to 20 miles per hour. There was not sufficient runway left to land the aircraft so the pilot continued the takeoff climb. The tree line was lower to the south and the pilot turned the aircraft slightly in an attempt to avoid colliding with trees. The tail of the aircraft collided with a tree and the aircraft turned to the right and subsequently collided with the ground. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway40
Runway Length3600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-150
Tail NumberN7815D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data