On September 9, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N67836) operated by Raf Flying Services Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Scotland, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from a downwind, uphill area with insufficient length for acceleration, which resulted in the failure to lift off and subsequent collision with an embankment. 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.
A pilot landed off-airport for a family picnic and attempted a takeoff from a short, uphill area. The aircraft failed to gain speed and struck a dirt embankment during the aborted takeoff roll.
What happened
The pilot of the accident airplane had previously landed off-airport to attend a family picnic. Upon returning to the aircraft, he attempted a takeoff from a downwind, uphill area that was approximately 900 feet long. The aircraft did not accelerate to flying speed within the available distance. After failing to lift off, the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff. During this aborted maneuver, the airplane collided with a dirt embankment.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the performance of the aircraft during the short-field takeoff attempt. The primary finding was that the combination of downwind conditions and an uphill gradient prevented the aircraft from achieving the necessary airspeed to become airborne within the 900-foot available distance.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from a downwind, uphill area with insufficient length for acceleration, which resulted in the failure to lift off and subsequent collision with an embankment.
What happened in the 9 Sept 1992 Cessna 152 accident near Scotland, IN?
A pilot landed off-airport for a family picnic and attempted a takeoff from a short, uphill area. The aircraft failed to gain speed and struck a dirt embankment during the aborted takeoff roll.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Sept 1992 involved a Cessna 152, registration N67836, operated by Raf Flying Services Inc, at Scotland, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to attempt a takeoff from a downwind, uphill area with insufficient length for acceleration, which resulted in the failure to lift off and subsequent collision with an embankment.
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