CHI96LA008

The pilot performed a short field takeoff with full flaps at 65 mph. He then retracted flaps to full up position. He said the airplane felt as if it was in a downdraft condition with the airspeed never getting over 65 mph. The airplane impacted left wing low in a field. The PA-22 flight manual does not address full or partial flap takeoffs.

On October 15, 1995, at 1750 central daylight time, a Piper, PA-22, N834A, piloted by the private pilot, collided with trees and terrain on departure from Shades Airstrip near Crawfordsville, Indiana. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and two passengers on board the airplane reported minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. No flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and was originating at the time of the accident.

From the pilot's written statement, he performed a short field takeoff at 65 miles per hour (MPH) followed by a left turn to avoid terrain. He then raised full flaps to the full up position at 100 feet above ground level (AGL). The airplane then began to develop a sink rate. The airplane impacted the ground left wing low and rolled inverted. The pilot stated, "...I did not suspect a loss of power and kept waiting to be out of severe down draft and start climbing again. I never heard a change in power. ...I can't believe the airplane was stalled and that I made two left turns... ."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved PA-22 flight manual states, the gross weight power-off stalling speed with full flaps is 48 MPH, with flaps up the stalling speed increases about 4 MPH. The best rate of climb airspeed at gross weight is 87 MPH with flaps retracted. The PA-22 flight manual recommends a climbing speed of 100 MPH. The FAA approved flight manual does not address a full or partial flap takeoff.