On September 6, 2003, a Cessna 150 (registration N6767F) was involved in an aviation accident near Tanana, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff after encountering muddy terrain during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway overrun and collision with trees. A factor in the accident was the muddy runway. 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 commercial pilot taking off from a private grass airstrip encountered a muddy section, slowed, continued the roll, became airborne briefly, then settled off the end and hit trees.
Incident Description
A commercial certificated pilot reported that during a takeoff attempt from his private grass/turf airstrip, the airplane encountered a muddy section of the runway during the takeoff roll, causing it to slow down. The pilot elected to continue the takeoff roll despite the reduced speed. The airplane became airborne for a short period but then settled onto the end of the runway. It subsequently ran off the end of the runway and collided with trees.
Damage
The airplane sustained structural damage to both the wings and the fuselage as a result of the collision with trees.
Pilot Statement
The pilot indicated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. The incident involved only the reported conditions of the runway surface.