NTSB Factual Report

On June 9, 2002, at 1420 central daylight time, a Navion Navion A, N8717H, piloted by a private pilot was substantially damaged when it struck power lines and subsequently impacted terrain during takeoff and climb from runway 13 (2,650 feet by 150 feet, turf) at the Forest Lake Airport (25D), Forest Lake, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was en route to the Council Bluffs Municipal Airport (CBF), Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The pilot stated in a written statement, "Acceleration slow. Lift off [at] 75 mph. Climb slow. Avoided obstructions except for power line. The left main gear struck power line. This spun aircraft 180 [degrees]. Aircraft landed in marsh across the road from the airport."

The pilot reported that the runway surface was "moist" at the time of the accident.

No anomalies with respect to the airframe, power plant, or systems were determined to have existed prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot not performing an aborted takeoff. The soft turf runway and power lines were contributing factors.