On March 25, 2007, a Cessna 150M (registration N66673) was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane lacked sufficient takeoff distance to clear obstructions due to increased rolling friction from the grass runway, tailwind, and short runway length. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane struck trees and a house during a tailwind takeoff from a 1,161-foot grass runway at near gross weight, lacking sufficient distance to clear obstacles.
Event Details
The accident occurred during a takeoff from a grass runway measuring 1,161 feet in length. The airplane was at near gross weight and attempted a tailwind takeoff under visual meteorological conditions. During the takeoff, the airplane impacted trees and a house. No mechanical anomalies were found that would have precluded normal operation.
Performance Factors
The grass surface increased rolling friction, and the tailwind further reduced takeoff performance. Combined with the short runway length and near-gross weight, the airplane lacked sufficient takeoff distance to clear the obstructions. According to the source, a careful review of these conditions during preflight planning would have indicated that the takeoff was not advisable.
Probable cause
The airplane lacked sufficient takeoff distance to clear obstructions due to increased rolling friction from the grass runway, tailwind, and short runway length.