Casualties unknown

2004-06-16: Cessna 150H (N3915V) — Mount Pleasant, MI

Mount Pleasant, MI, US

On June 16, 2004, a Cessna 150H (registration N3915V) was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Pleasant, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision to takeoff downwind from the rough field and his failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor to the accident was the rough/uneven alfalfa field and the tailwind experienced during the takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane impacted terrain during an attempted takeoff from an alfalfa field after a forced landing due to fuel exhaustion the previous day. The pilot had been advised against taking off but proceeded following consultations with other pilots.

Accident Details

The airplane impacted terrain during an attempted takeoff from an alfalfa field. The airplane had been situated in the field due to a forced landing resulting from fuel exhaustion the previous day.

Prior Advisories

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration advised the pilot that a takeoff from the field was not recommended. Additionally, a local mechanic informed the pilot that the airplane could be easily towed to a nearby airport. Despite these warnings, the pilot stated that after deliberation and speaking with other pilots, they suggested a takeoff from the field.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported walking the length of the field and then deciding to perform a high-speed taxi to evaluate the area. He selected minimal flaps to relieve pressure from the nose wheel. During the attempt, the airplane contacted bumps in the field and veered to the right. The pilot stated that he "pulled back a bit on the controls and the plane went up a little and [touched] the left wing and flipped over." The pilot noted that the only reason he attempted to move the airplane was due to thunderstorms approaching the area.

Impact and Conditions

The airplane became airborne and traveled north approximately 210 feet before the nose gear impacted the terrain. Local winds at the time of the accident were from the south-southeast at six knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040630X00891. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.