Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to plan and execute a takeoff that assured obstacle clearance at the departure end of the runway, which resulted in a collision with trees.
NTSB analysis
The pilot/owner stated that during the takeoff from his private airstrip, the airplane was unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear the trees at the end of the grass runway. The left wing and landing gear struck the top of a tree; the airplane impacted the ground nose first and came to rest inverted. A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the wings, engine, firewall, and fuselage. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. In addition, he stated that he did not complete performance planning calculations prior to takeoff.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA585 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 22, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Maryville, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-140
- N-number
- N56796
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.