ATL95LA120

The homebuilt, Kitfox iii collided with the ground after departure from a private strip near Arlington, Tennessee. The pilot stated that he was preoccupied with obstacles at the end of the runway, and rotated prior to reaching best angle of climb speed. After lift off, he made a left turn to avoid hitting power lines at the end of the runway, the aircraft stalled, and impacted the terrain.

On June 27, 1995, at 1945 central standard time, a Pierce Kitfox III, N101GP, collided with the ground on departure from a private airstrip near Arlington, Tennessee. The personal flight was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The two occupants on board the experimental airplane were not injured.

According to the pilot, he was preoccupied during takeoff with the power lines and trees at the end of the runway. He stated that he rotated before accelerating to the best angle of climb speed (Vx), 50 knots. After lift off, he realized that he was below Vx, and made a left turn to avoid hitting the obstacles at the end of the runway. He then attempted to regain airspeed by lowering the nose, but had insufficient altitude. The aircraft collided with the ground in a left wing down, nose down attitude. The pilot stated that his preoccupation with the power lines caused him to neglect airspeed control which resulted in stalling the aircraft on departure.