NTSB Factual Report

On September 5, 2005, about 1700 mountain daylight time, a tail wheel equipped Piper PA-22 (20), N8276C, sustained substantial damage after colliding with a fence shortly after takeoff from the McCall Municipal Airport, McCall, Idaho. The airplane is registered to the pilot, and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-county flight under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The planned destination was Boise, Idaho.

In a written statement, dated September 6, the pilot reported that the airplane's takeoff acceleration was normal and that immediately after takeoff he lowered the airplane's nose and accelerated to best angle of climb while in ground effect. The pilot reported that after reaching best angle he began to climb, however the airplane's airspeed rapidly decayed. The pilot reported that he lowered the airplane's nose, in response to the loss of airspeed, and turned the aircraft towards the crosswind and lowering terrain. After turning toward lowering terrain the pilot reported that he "landed on ground but hit wire fence." After colliding with the fence, the airplane nosed over resulting in substantial damage.

The 1650 METAR observation at McCall, reported weather conditions, in part, as: winds from 260 degrees at 7 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; temperature 22 degrees Celsius; barometric pressure (altimeter) 30.14 inches.

The pilot reported the following pre takeoff weights:

Pilot: 180 pounds

Passenger: 140 pounds

Dog: 80 pounds

Baggage: 40 pounds

Fuel: 108 pounds (approximately)

The McCall Airport is located in mountainous terrain. The airport elevation is 5,021 feet above mean sea level. The single hard surface runway (16/34) is 6,107 feet long and 75 feet wide.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during takeoff. A wire fence was a factor in the accident.