On July 25, 1987, a Cessna T188C (registration N2092J) operated by Steven D. Rye was involved in an aviation accident near Oak Grove, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff with an over gross weight condition, which prevented adequate climb performance and led to collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft attempting takeoff exceeded its gross weight limit, lifting off only after the ground dropped into a bayou before striking the opposite bank and burning.
What happened
The pilot initiated a takeoff roll with an aircraft loaded beyond its maximum allowable gross weight. Due to the excessive mass, the plane lacked sufficient lift to become airborne on the available runway. The wheels finally left the surface only after the terrain sloped downward into a bayou, allowing the aircraft to briefly remain aloft without gaining altitude.
Findings
The primary factor was over gross weight condition. The aircraft failed to climb during this brief airborne period and subsequently collided with the opposite bank of the bayou. A fire erupted immediately after ground impact, resulting in the total destruction of the airframe by ground fire.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff with an over gross weight condition, which prevented adequate climb performance and led to collision with terrain.
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