NYC98LA105

The pilot was attempting to perform a short field takeoff. He set the trailing edge wing flaps at 25 degrees, and initiated the takeoff roll. He rotated at 50 knots, and when the airplane did not become airborne, he relaxed his right rudder, but did not reduce engine power. The airplane then departed the runway on the left side and struck trees. Later, the pilot stated that he should have maintained directional control by holding right rudder, closed the throttle, and used the brakes to stop the airplane.

On April 29, 1998, about 1230 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, N4506Z, was destroyed when it struck trees while departing from the Butter Valley Golf Port Airport, Bally, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. No flight plan had been filed for the flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and was destined for Wings Field, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that he had prepared for a short field takeoff. He set the trailing edge wing flaps at 25 degrees, and applied full power. When the airspeed reached 50 knots, he pulled back on the control wheel, but the airplane did not leave the ground. He then released the right rudder and the airplane departed the runway on the left side, and struck trees.

An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the airplane continued across an open area after it departed the runway, and struck trees about 75 feet to the left of the runway. Both wings separated from the fuselage as it passed between trees.

In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot stated that he should have maintained directional control by holding right rudder, closed the throttle, and used the brakes to stop the airplane.

According to FAA data, runway 34 was 2,420 feet long, with the first 1,535 feet of the runway paved with asphalt, and the remaining runway a turf surface. The asphalt portion of the runway was 24 feet wide. According to the FAA inspector, the airplane departed the side of the runway prior to reaching the end of the asphalt surface.

According to the FAA records, the pilot received his private pilot certificate on December 17, 1997, with a total time of 131.1 hours, 52.5 hours as pilot-in-command, and 86.1 hours in the accident airplane. In addition, he had flown 5 hours in the preceding 90 days, and 3 hours in the preceding 30 days.