ATL97LA033

Factual narrative

On January 9, 1997, about 1615 central standard time, a Piper PA-28R-200, N1434X, collided with the ground during takeoff from an open field near Lebanon, Tennessee. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Bristow, Oklahoma, about 1130, with a destination of Knoxville, Tennessee. According to an inspector with the Nashville, Tennessee Flight Standards District Office, the pilot departed Amarillo, Texas, stopping in Bristow, Oklahoma for re-fueling. He departed Bristow and flew at 11,000 feet above an overcast to the vicinity of the accident. He is not instrument rated. Darkness was approaching, fuel was getting low, and the pilot found a hole in the overcast. The pilot noted a large, empty field and made a precautionary landing. He contacted the Lebanon airport and had additional fuel brought to the airplane. A takeoff was begun from the field resulting in the airplane becoming airborne prematurely, because of a berm across the takeoff path. A telephone wire crossed the field, which the pilot had planned to cross under during the takeoff roll. After becoming airborne, he flew under the telephone wire. The airplane was approaching the end of the field where there were houses. A left turn was initiated that resulted in a stall about 100 feet above ground level, and the collision with the ground. The pilot stated that, during cruise, the engine oil temperature increased, and he noted a decrease in engine speed. Therefore, he descended through an opening in the overcast. He stated that power was vanishing, so he put it on the ground. He continued in his report stating, "just to be safe I let the airport bring and put in 5 gallons of fuel in left tank." After setting for about 1.5 hours the engine had cooled and a takeoff was attempted. He stated that full engine speed was available and the oil temperature had decreased to "almost normal." He proceeded with the takeoff during which the airplane became airborne after crossing a terrace and settled. Airspeed was decreasing. The pilot said he was unable to stop at that point and was committed to the takeoff. He stated he could not clear trees and made a left turn. During the turn, he stated, "I lost my lift in the turn, next was a larger tree I couldn't clear. You know the rest." The noninstrument-rated private pilot/aircraft broker was ferrying the airplane to a purchaser. He reported that he had been airborne about 4 hours 45 minutes since the last refueling . He was flying over an overcast. The engine oil temperature increased and the engine rpm decreased. He descended through a hole in the clouds, located an empty field and made a forced landing. He stated that as a precaution, he then had 5 gallons of fuel brought from the local airport, about two miles away, and had it put in the airplane. He then elected to takeoff, stating that the oil temperature was now almost normal. During the soft, short field departure, the airplane became airborne prematurely when the takeoff path crossed a terrace. The pilot said airspeed began decreasing, but he was committed to the takeoff. A left turn was begun which resulted in a stall and collision with the ground. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12