What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-05-12 involved a Cessna 150L, registration N1715Q, at Cumming, GA.

Witness Reports Extended Takeoff Roll, Failure to Climb in Cessna Accident (N1715Q)

On May 12, 2006, a Cessna 150L (registration N1715Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Cumming, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to consider the appropriate aircraft performance data prior to takeoff, and his improper use of the wing flaps during takeoff, which resulted in reduced climb performance and an in-flight collision with a residence. 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 API Editorial standards

A Cessna airplane failed to climb after takeoff, striking trees and ending up inverted near a house. The pilot had set flaps 5-10 degrees, and weight and balance calculations showed the aircraft approximately 20 pounds over gross weight.

Witness Account

According to a witness at the airport, on the morning of the accident, he spoke with the pilot for about 10 minutes and observed the pilot and passenger conducting a preflight inspection of the airplane. After the inspection, the pilot taxied to the fuel pumps and topped off both fuel tanks. The witness reported that the pilot had the flaps extended between 5 and 10 degrees prior to takeoff.

The pilot then taxied to runway 21, performed an engine run-up, and began the takeoff roll. The witness noted that the takeoff roll was much longer than expected, and the airplane did not rotate and climb until it reached the end of the runway. He observed the airplane in a climb attitude with what appeared to be slow airspeed. The witness stated, "the airplane just failed to climb." He watched as the airplane reached an altitude of approximately 50 feet and appeared unable to clear the hill and trees directly off the end of the runway. The airplane then "drifted to the left through a low spot in the tree cover on the southwest boundary of the airport." Shortly after, the witness heard sounds of emergency vehicles.

Discovery and Inspection

The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office responded to the crash and located the airplane inverted, resting against a house in a residential subdivision, approximately 1/4 mile west of the airport. Inspection of the airplane disclosed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies.

Performance Data

Review of the performance data in the Cessna Owners Manual revealed that at gross weight, at the calculated density altitude of approximately 1,400 feet, the airplane would require approximately 1,539 feet to clear a 50-foot obstacle using zero degrees of flaps on a level runway. Zero degrees of flaps is recommended for a short field takeoff, and no performance charts are available for takeoff with 5 or 10 degrees of flaps.

Weight and Balance

Weight and balance calculations of the airplane with both occupants and full fuel disclosed that the airplane was approximately 20 pounds over gross weight.

Controlled flight into terrain

2006-05-12: Cessna 150L (N1715Q) — Cumming, GA