NTSB Factual Report

On September 2, 2006, about 0845 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N4813T, collided with terrain during takeoff at Auburn Municipal Airport, Auburn, California. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight was originating with a planned destination of Santa Ynez, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed. The approximate global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of the primary wreckage were 38 degrees 57.28 minutes north latitude and 121 degrees 4.90 minutes west longitude.

The pilot stated in a written report that he was departing from runway 7. At a speed of 65 miles per hour he rotated the nose of the airplane up for liftoff. He failed to obtain enough airspeed, which resulted in a departure stall. The pilot lost control of the airplane, collided with the ground, and went into a canal. The pilot and his passengers evacuated the airplane with minor injuries. The water in the canal was swift, and the airplane drifted downstream. The fuselage was completely submerged in the canal. The left wing was bent up sharply and sticking out of the water.

The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions. He also stated that he had not paid thorough attention to weight and balance considerations. According to the pilot the weight at the time of the accident was 2,300 pounds, which is 150 pounds above the airplane's certified maximum gross weight.

Several witnesses stated they saw the airplane approaching the end of the runway with the wheels still on the ground.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to comply with weight and balance limitations and failure to attain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and loss of control.