NYC94LA151

The airplane collided with trees during takeoff from alexandria airport on runway 8, which is 2550 feet long. The pilot reported the engine experienced a partial power loss on takeoff. He said he was unable to establish a climb and settled into trees. Two FAA inspectors observed the takeoff and reported the airplane, '...appeared to lift off early, at a higher than normal pitch attitude and slower than normal speed. The aircraft appeared to mush along in ground effect and never accelerated...engine sounded normal....' In a written report of post accident examination on the airplane and engine, the FAA stated, '...no engine malfunctions could be determined that resulted in a reduction or loss of power to the engine....'

On August 6, 1994, at 1300 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172RG, N9686B, owned and operated by Alexandria Aviation, Inc, of Pittstown, New Jersey, struck trees after departure from Alexandria Airport, Pittstown. The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries. One passenger was not injured. The airplane received substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local sightseeing flight which was operated under 14 CFR Part 91.

In the NTSB Accident Report, the pilot stated:

...Brakes released, rolled out and lowered nose to get out of ground effect. Climb established over trees,. Became apparent that aircraft wasn't developing full power - raised nose to just clear obstacles, gear raised (full throttle still applied). Terrain was rising faster than aircraft...Lowered nose to maintain control, maneuvered between trees to bring it in as it descended, Aircraft was slowed by trees....

Two FAA inspectors were present at the airport because there was an airshow taking place. One inspector stated:

...The aircraft appeared to lift off early at a higher than normal pitch attitude and a slower than normal speed. The aircraft appeared to mush along in ground effect and never accelerated. The pilot never raised the landing gear until immediately before it crashed into trees. The aircraft engine sounded normal from my position near the runway (which was about 100 feet at the closest point).

The second FAA inspector was interviewed by telephone and he reported that he concurred with the first inspectors written statement.

Post accident inspection of the engine was conducted by FAA personnel who stated:

...no engine malfunctions could be determined that resulted in a reduction or loss of power to the engine....