Piper PA-32RT-300T N39758 accident near Palakta, Florida

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The airplane struck trees shortly after takeoff during an early morning departure. The flight was the second leg of a trip which had begun the previous day, but then was delayed when a passenger required medical care. The pilot reported that the takeoff roll "seemed a little long," and that the engine began losing power immediately after becoming airborne. The airplane was not able to maintain altitude, and subsequently struck a tree, impacted the ground, and caught fire. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane via the rear door. Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal evidence of any pre-impact mechanical discrepancies that would have prevented a successful takeoff. However, the cockpit area was destroyed, and the engine control friction lock tension could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08LA264 for the full record.