Piper PA32 N3556W accident near Seldovia, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain a sufficient climb following a short-field takeoff, which resulted in collision with trees.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane's gross takeoff weight was 300 lbs less than the maximum allowable takeoff weight. He performed a short-field takeoff from the 1,800-ft-long gravel surface, and the initial climb continued as expected. However, the climb performance then degraded and became insufficient to clear 80-ft-tall trees located about 1,000 ft from the departure end of the runway. The airplane collided with treetops, descended, and subsequently impacted a lake and became submerged. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the stabilator. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA387 for the full record.