ATL93LA112

The commercial pilot was performing an intersection takeoff on the 4,000 foot runway (1,500 feet remaining). A witness saw the aircraft in a steep, right hand turn shortly after takeoff, then he heard the crash. He also reported hearing the engine running until ground impact. An examination of the accident site revealed that the aircraft collided with trees located about 1,000 feet past the departure end of the runway. An inspection of the wreckage revealed positive flight control continuity existed. No evidence of a powerplant malfunction or failure was found. The pilot reported that he could not remember any events regarding the accident flight.

On June 16, 1993, at about 1818 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N8322B, collided with trees and terrain during takeoff from the St. Elmo Airport in St. Elmo, Alabama. The commercial pilot and one passenger were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The aircraft was registered to Cathy G. Cutts of Grand Bay, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot of N8322B, Ralph M. Williams, reported that he did not recall any events surrounding the accident flight. He remembered driving to the airport on the morning of the accident, and that his truck had overheated, but he did not remember any subsequent events until after the accident. He did not comply with CFR Part 830, requiring the completion of NTSB Form 6120.1/2 (Pilot/Operator Report).

An aircraft mechanic who was at the airport at the time of the accident reported that he saw the aircraft on its takeoff roll. Immediately after takeoff, he saw the aircraft in a steep, right turn over the perimeter boundary trees. He then heard the impact. He heard the sound of the engine running until he heard the crash. Another mechanic reported that the pilot performed an intersection takeoff on runway 23. At the intersection of the 4,000 foot long runway, 1,500 feet of runway was available for takeoff.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector visited the accident site and inspected the wreckage. He reported the following: The aircraft collided with trees, which were located about 1,000 feet from the departure end of runway 23. The aircraft came to rest on a magnetic heading of 350 degrees, about 75 feet from the trees. The engine throttle control was found in the "full forward" position. The fuel mixture control was retarded about 5/8 inches aft of the "full rich" stop. The right wing fuel tank contained about 5 gallons of contamination-free fuel; the left tank was ruptured. A witness reported that fuel was seen spilling from the left wing immediately after the accident. The fuel gascolator was about half filled with fuel; there was about one teaspoon of water in the fuel. The engine was transported to the manufacturer's facility in Mobile, Alabama for a disassembly and inspection. Continuity was confirmed throughout the engine. The magnetos operated when installed on a test bench. For additional information regarding the engine and airframe examination, refer to the FAA Inspector's Report, attached to this report.