| Crash location | 27.809167°N, 81.665833°W |
| Nearest city | Fort Meade, FL
27.752253°N, 81.801749°W 9.2 miles away |
| Tail number | N3921W |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 23 May 2003 |
| Aircraft type | Piper PA-32-260 |
| Additional details: | None |
On May 23, 2003, about 0730 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260, N3921W, listed with the FAA as "Sale Reported", stalled and collided with the ground and fences during takeoff from a private airstrip near Fort Meade, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed but not activated for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and there were no injuries to the private-rated pilot or three passengers. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated that he performed weight and balance calculations before the flight by asking the passengers their weight and estimating the weight of the passengers' bags. He calculated the airplane was in center of gravity and weight limits. He performed a preflight inspection of the airplane, no discrepancies were noted. Before takeoff from the 3,000-foot-grass strip with approximately 4-inch tall grass, he performed an engine runup with no discrepancies noted. He lowered the flaps to 10 degrees and initiated a short/soft field takeoff; he applied full power while rolling onto the runway. The engine responded and he estimated the airplane became airborne approximately 3/4 down the runway. While airborne at 20 feet above ground level, the airplane, "...stalled came back down and began sliding." The airplane traveled through three fences before coming to rest. He further stated he expected the airplane should have become airborne about 1/2 way down the runway, and there was no mechanical failure or malfunction.
The airplane was recovered and no repairs to the engine or its systems were performed. With FAA oversight, the engine was started and operated to 2,000 rpm. Safety concerns prevented operation to a higher rpm; no discrepancies were noted during the engine run. The engine was operated with the fuel selector positioned to the tank that had been selected for takeoff (right main fuel tank).
Thew failure of the pilot to abort the takeoff after travelling past the estimated point of liftoff, and failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed during the initial climb resulting in inadvertent stall and uncontrolled descent with subsequent impact onto the runway.