On December 6, 2002, a Cessna 150L (registration N11294) operated by Carmelo B. Beniquez was involved in an aviation accident near Arecibo, PR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots failure to follow the normal takeoff checklist (Wing Flaps-Up) and failure to maintain airspeed after takeoff that resulted in an inadvertent stall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed an airplane on takeoff with flaps extended. At 300 feet, flaps were still down; airspeed was slow. A loud noise and black smoke followed. Wreckage examination revealed flaps fully extended. Checklist recommends against flap deflections greater than 10 degrees for takeoff. No anomalies found in airframe, flight controls, or engine.
Accident Details
An airplane was observed by witnesses taxiing out for takeoff and on the takeoff roll with the flaps extended. The airplane reached about 300 feet and the flaps were still observed in the down position. The airplane was in a climb attitude and the airspeed was described as slow.
Witness Observations
A witness looked away and heard a loud noise seconds later coming from the north side of the runway followed by black smoke. Radio contact was not established. The witness drove to the crash site and observed the airplane in a nose down attitude on fire with the tail section on the ground.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed the flaps were in the full down position. The checklist states flap deflections greater than 10-degrees are not recommended at any time for takeoff. Examination of the airframe, flight controls, and engine assembly and accessories revealed no anomalies.