19980802019229A

Acft crashed in a field and was destroyed by fire, no injuries were reported.(.19) on August 2, 1998, about 1845 central daylight time, a Cessna 172F, N7884U, registered to a Private individual, crashed near Tuskegee, Alabama, while on a title 14 CFR part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions were reported and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The Private-rated pilot and one passenger reported minor injuries. The flight was originating from a Private airstrip at the time. The airplane had taken off to the north, on a runway that slopes upward, with power lines as an obstruction at the departure end of the runway. As the airplane started to climb, the landing gear struck the power lines, the airplane fell to the ground, caught on fire and burnt. The pilot told the FAA that he usually takes off to the south, but for some reason on this flight he elected to takeoff to the north. In addition, the pilot said that he did not have any engine problems. (.4) the airplane had taken off to the north, on a runway that slopes upward, with power lines as an obstruction at the departure end of the runway. The turf runway was 1800 feet long. As the airplane sta rted to climb, the landing gear struck the power lines, the airplane fell to the ground, caught on fire and burned. The pilot stated that he usually takes off to the south, but a 'tailwind' caused him to takeoff to the north. He further stated he started his takeoff run and the airplane '...didn't gain speed like it should have. He said he 'should have stopped [the] takeoff, [but] waited too late. Rotated with too low a airspeed, could not clear power lines, cut wire and went into trees.' In addition, the pilot told the FAA that he did not have any engine problems. (-23) pilot reported he made an attempt to takeoff to the north from his Private strip. Winds were reportedly out of the northeast gusting up to 15 knots. The pilot had buried power lines to accommodate taking off to the south; however, he made a judgement call, primarily because of the gusting winds, to attempt to take off to the north. He misjudged the upward slope of the strip in that direction and the power lines approximately 150 feet off of that end of the strip. He reported the engine may have been a little sluggish, but the RPM was approximately 2300, and the mags checked good during h is run up check. Takeoff roll and lift off were normal. The aircraft landing gear hit the power lines and caused the aircraft to go out of control. It finally rested at approximately 200 yards off the north end of the strip. Except for the tail section, the aircraft was completely burned. The pilot in command is recommended for counseling on proper operation of aircraft.