Accident Summary
A certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a short-field takeoff to a student pilot in a Cessna 152. The CFI reported believing that a light crosswind or quartering tailwind was present. He chose to depart from Runway 27, citing that Runway 09 had utility wires at the departure end and a slight uphill gradient.
During the takeoff roll, the airplane lifted off slightly once or twice. The CFI held the airplane on the grass runway to increase acceleration. After rotating, the airplane climbed to approximately 15 to 20 feet above ground level (AGL) and then began to settle back toward the ground. The nosewheel struck a small ditch, causing the airplane to nose over.
Weather and Performance
The airport manager reported that a 15-knot wind was blowing from the east at the time of the accident. A weather reporting station approximately 11 nautical miles away reported east winds at 10 knots shortly after the accident. Based on performance data in the Cessna 152 Information Manual, the airplane was theoretically capable of a successful takeoff under the conditions.