BELLEFONTE – On Aug. 6 at about 11:30 a.m., a Piper airplane was substantially damaged during takeoff from Bellefonte Airport, according to information from the Federal Aviation Administration.
No injuries were reported for the pilot and the five passengers on the plane.
According to the FAA report, the pilot stated that start-up, taxi, and engine run-up seemed normal.
The plane took off as usual with about 1,000 feet of runway remaining. The airplane then climbed approximately 100 feet, but did not seem to have enough power to continue climbing.
The pilot then retracted the landing gear and flaps, and the airplane settled back toward the runway. The airplane subsequently overran the runway, came to rest in a field, and a post-crash fire ensued.
The plane was consumed by the fire, but everyone in the plane was able to leave the aircraft safely.
The pilot further stated that prior to the flight, his weight and balance calculations revealed that the airplane was 50 pounds below the maximum gross takeoff weight.
Investigators are looking at the engine was retained for further examination.
The FAA will release a final report at a later date.