| Crash location | 34.382223°N, 82.945555°W |
| Nearest city | Hartwell, GA
34.352882°N, 82.932087°W 2.2 miles away |
| Tail number | N5616H |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 22 Apr 2015 |
| Aircraft type | Piper Pa 16 |
| Additional details: | None |
The pilot reported that about 700 feet into the takeoff roll, the airplane began to drift left as he approached the narrowest part of the runway. The airplane departed the runway to the left, impacted trees, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot and sole passenger sustained minor injuries.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.