NTSB Factual Report

On January 30, 2004, at 1630 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-22-135, N1107C, registered to and operated by a private owner and flown by a commercial pilot, collided with a tree while attempting to climb out after landing on runway 22 at Goose Creek Airport, Indian Trail, North Carolina. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight departed Florence Regional Airport, Florence, South Carolina, on January 30, 2004 at 1530.

According to the pilot, while touching down on runway 22 during a landing, a strong crosswind "caused the airplane to weathervane" to the right and bounce. As the pilot tried to recover from the bounced landing, he stated that he "overcorrected and the airplane started to run off the right side" of the runway. At this point the pilot decided to execute a climb out, but the airplane did not have enough airspeed to climb and only got approximately three feet in the air. The airplane collided with a tree and fell partially into a pond 1300 feet from the approach end and 30 feet to the right side of runway 22.

According to the Charlotte, North Carolina, 1651 weather observation, the wind conditions at the time of the accident were from a heading of 280-degrees, wind speed 11 knots with a wind gust to 19 knots.

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed damage to wings, the right door panel and the propeller. Post-examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical problems with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's attempted lift off without adequate airspeed resulting in a stall/mush and collision with trees while transitioning from an aborted landing to takeoff climb. A factor was the crosswind condition.