Piper PA-32-260 accident near Fort Meade, Florida, May 23, 2003

The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record

The pilot stated that he performed weight and balance calculations before the flight by asking the passenger's their weights and estimating the weights of the passenger's 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 run-up 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 3 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).

The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.