Event NYC95LA236

Factual narrative

On October 30, 1994, about 1400 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180C, N9235J, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground during an aborted takeoff from a private strip near Nunda, New York. The flight instructor, dual student, and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight, and there was no flight plan for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The Federal Aviation Administration Inspector stated: Instructor pilot elected to takeoff from 1500 foot grass strip with 35 [to] 50 foot treeline at the [departure] end. Student pilot (weight: approximately 210 pounds) was allowed to make the takeoff. His two daughters (approximately 90 pounds each) were in the back seat. Airplane got airborne, but never got out of ground effect. Instructor aborted takeoff with treeline rapidly approaching. Controlled collision with a mound resulted in substantial damage to airplane. No injuries. Instructor never reported accident to NTSB. Reexamination of instructor also scheduled. According to the pilot operating handbook, a minimum takeoff distance to clear a 50 foot obstacle on a paved, level, dry runway was 1625 feet. Additionally, the pilot was requested to complete a NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report. No such form was received. The instructor, student pilot and two passengers boarded the airplane. The instructor elected to depart the 1500-foot grass strip with a 50-foot tree line at the departure end. The student pilot made the takeoff. During the takeoff, the airplane did not climb out of ground effect, and the instructor aborted the takeoff with the tree line approaching rapidly. The airplane collided with the ground during the aborted takeoff. According to the Pilot Operating Handbook, a minimum takeoff distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle on a paved, level, dry runway is 1625 feet. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12