On April 6, 1991, a Cessna 120 (registration N46GB) operated by Williams, David E. was involved in an aviation accident near Pinebluff, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not calculate the performance data for the aircraft weight and environmental conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot aborted a takeoff from a private sod airfield after the airplane did not become airborne as expected. The propeller struck the ground and the airplane nosed over. Investigation revealed the pilot had not calculated performance data.
Incident Overview
A private pilot was conducting a takeoff from a private sod airfield. During the takeoff roll, the airplane did not become airborne at the point the pilot had become accustomed to from previous flights. The pilot attempted to abort the takeoff. During the abort, the airplane's propeller struck the ground, and the airplane subsequently nosed over on the runway.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the incident determined that the pilot had not calculated the performance data for the aircraft weight and the environmental conditions present at the time of the takeoff. No further details were provided by the source regarding the aircraft type, registration, or other factors.
Probable cause
The pilot did not calculate the performance data for the aircraft weight and environmental conditions.