On September 7, 2003, a Cessna 150M (registration N63600) was involved in an aviation accident near Jetersville, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in time, resulting from inadequate acceleration on a short, wet grass strip, which led to an overrun and collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted a takeoff on a short, wet grass strip due to insufficient acceleration. The aircraft slid off the end of the runway and collided with trees.
What happened
The pilot initiated a takeoff roll from a grass airfield that measured approximately 1,800 feet in length. The surface conditions were challenging, characterized by wet grass growing between four and five inches tall. During the acceleration phase, the pilot reported that the airplane failed to reach the necessary rotation speed within the available distance. Consequently, the decision was made to abort the takeoff.
The pilot applied the brakes in an attempt to stop the aircraft. However, the braking action was insufficient to halt the plane before it reached the end of the field. The aircraft continued to slide off the grass surface and struck trees located at the terminus of the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in time, resulting from inadequate acceleration on a short, wet grass strip, which led to an overrun and collision with trees.