CHI94LA216

The pilot attempted to take off on runway 36 (2,240' x 100') but was unable to get airborne. He then elected to take off on runway 27 (1,350' x 90', grass). The pilot reported local winds from the west at 23 knots. The airplane stalled into a wooded area just west of the airstrip and was destroyed by fire. The airplane was loaded with four occupants and 1/2 full fuel tanks when the accident occurred.

On July 1, 1994, at 1119 central daylight time, a Cessna 172, N7472X, registered to Dale L. Storm of Black Creek, Wisconsin, collided with trees and the terrain during initial takeoff climb from runway 27 (1,350' x 90', grass) at the Shiocton Airstrip, Shiocton, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The private pilot and two passengers were seriously injured. A third passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was destroyed by impact and post crash fire. The flight was departing for La Crosse, Wisconsin, when the accident occurred.

The pilot stated, the winds were westerly at approximately 23 knots and the takeoff was normal. He reported that as he neared the wooded area west of the airport "...it seemed as if the wind stopped. I had no lift, airspeed started to drop." He stated he lowered the nose to increase airspeed but that the "winds were pushing down on plane." The airplane crashed in the wooded area and was destroyed by fire. The pilot stated he made the takeoff using 10 degrees of flaps and that the stall warning horn sounded prior to impacting the trees.

Two witnesses reported seeing the airplane take off "slowly" and it was "slow getting up in the air." One of the passengers stated the pilot initially attempted to take off on runway 36 (2,240' x 100') but was unable to get airborne. The pilot then elected to take off on runway 27.