On July 12, 1986, a Cessna 152 (registration N65548) operated by David B. Loewen was involved in an aviation accident near Broken Arrow, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to take off from an intersection with insufficient runway distance while operating the aircraft above its maximum gross weight and with an aft center of gravity, which resulted in a stall during the initial climb. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft stalled shortly after takeoff due to excessive weight and aft center of gravity on a short, unpaved runway.
What happened
The pilot initiated the takeoff roll from an intersection on a cinder-packed runway. The available distance before the end of the runway was limited to only 900 feet. At the time of the accident, the aircraft's gross weight was recorded at 1,700 pounds, which exceeded its maximum certified gross weight of 1,670 pounds. Additionally, the center of gravity was found to be positioned 3.3 inches aft of the allowable limit.
During the initial climb-out phase, the aircraft pitched up excessively and subsequently stalled. The aircraft then impacted the ground at a steep angle of approximately 45 degrees.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to take off from an intersection with insufficient runway distance while operating the aircraft above its maximum gross weight and with an aft center of gravity, which resulted in a stall during the initial climb.
What happened in the 12 Jul 1986 Cessna 152 accident near Broken Arrow, OK?
An aircraft stalled shortly after takeoff due to excessive weight and aft center of gravity on a short, unpaved runway.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Jul 1986 involved a Cessna 152, registration N65548, operated by David B. Loewen, at Broken Arrow, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to take off from an intersection with insufficient runway distance while operating the aircraft above its maximum gross weight and with an aft center of gravity, which resulted in a stall during the initial climb.
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