NTSB Factual Report

On May 18, 2003, about 0930 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-32R-301T, N99TX, collided with power lines while departing from Big Springs Ranch Airport (AZ27), Paulden, Arizona. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and three passengers sustained minor injuries; the post impact fire destroyed the airplane. The personal cross-country flight was departing Paulden en route to Salt Lake City, Utah. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The primary wreckage was at 34 degrees 54 minutes north latitude and 112 degrees 32 minutes west longitude.

A witness who lives on the airport saw the airplane taking off on runway 24. He watched the airplane lift off and maintain a nose high attitude, but it failed to gain altitude. The airplane engine sounded normal to him. The airplane struck power lines located at the west end of runway 24.

The pilot reported that he was departing AZ27 using runway 24, which is a dirt runway. During the takeoff roll the airplane did not "lift off as early" as he was accustomed to with less weight. He was nervous about the power lines at the end of the runway. He rotated and kept the airplane in a nose high attitude trying to clear the power lines. The pilot did not retract the landing gear. The airplane continued to fly after rotation, but did not climb out of ground effect. The airplane struck the bottom set of utility lines. After the airplane came to rest, everyone exited the airplane with only minor injuries.

In his written report, the pilot said that there were no mechanical malfunctions with either the engine or the airframe.

The density altitude was computed to be 6,167 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to attain and maintain the proper climb airspeed. The high density altitude condition was a factor.